Welcome to the March 18th edition of the Vancouver Island Pickleball newsletter! This week, VIPB heads to Ucluelet to chat pickleball with Ucluelet Racquet Sports Club director, Penny Jones. DUPR officially aligns with the Canadian National Pickleball League, and teaser shots from VIPB’s first video shoot with title partner, Courtside Sports!

With the weather warming up, now is a good time to familiarize yourself with the Court Guide, as well as our Facebook Group and Business pages. Questions, comments and inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

Community Spotlight: Ucluelet’s Pickleball Community Continues to Grow

Vancouver Island Pickleball, powered by Courtside Sports, spoke to Ucluelet’s Ukee Pickleball about the growing pickleball community on Vancouver Island’s West Coast and the group’s upcoming tournament in April.

Pickleball in Ucluelet has been growing and developing for the last seven years, with the region’s pickleball program initially started by the Community Centre to get seniors active, especially in the fall and winter months. Currently, players can sign up on an online booking sheet to play on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and occasional weekends. Players compete in the recreation hall on one court.

“The old wood floor has some dents and dings but is very nicely sprung and friendly on the joints,” noted Penny Jones, director of the Ucluelet Racquet Sports Club (URSClub).

The URSClub—a non-profit society—was formed in August 2022 to advocate for and promote pickleball and tennis in the Ucluelet region.

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CNPL and DUPR officially sign partnership

The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) and Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) have officially signed a partnership, marking a significant step forward in the standardization and growth of the sport. As part of this collaboration, DUPR will become the official rating system of CNPL, reinforcing a commitment to competitive integrity and global expansion.

DUPR, with over a million users and a presence in more than 150 countries, is widely recognized as the most accurate and globally accepted rating system in pickleball. By integrating DUPR into CNPL’s competitive structure, the league is ensuring that players are rated on a fair and consistent scale, fostering a higher level of competition and transparency within the sport.

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• Black, Todd sweep Smith, Tuionetoa for women’s doubles gold (pickleball.com)

• Former NFL Receiver Leaves Colorado Ultimate Frisbee Team for Pickleball (westword.net)

• Global Pickleball Federation Announces Ukraine as its 60th Member (globalpickleballfederation.org)

About Vancouver Island Pickleball

Vancouver Island Pickleball is the destination for all things pickleball on the Island. Founded in 2024, VIPB is dedicated to empowering the sport’s dynamic community with resources, tips, and the latest news to help the sport flourish and reach new heights. Built for seasoned players and beginners alike, VIPB is here to elevate the Island pickleball experience.

Looking to get involved? If you’re a player, club, business, or organization with a passion for pickleball, reach out at [email protected].