Builder: This person was one of the original builders of pickleball in Ontario. They initiated a program(s) in their region (city) which has resulted in the rapid growth of pickleball. Their enthusiasm and positive energy has encouraged others to become involved in the development of the sport. They were a founder of a pickleball association in the province, which helped increase participation in the sport.
I am pleased to award the 2020 Wayne Roswell Builder’s Award to Peter Singleton. Peter was a founding member of the London Pickleball Club, served on its Executive for a few years and has circled back to serve on it again in 2019/20. He has been a Builder in his local area since he started playing pickleball, and has been a main influencer in increasing the numbers of pickleball courts throughout the area.
Peter also contributed to the development and growth of pickleball in Ontario during his terms on the Board at Pickleball Ontario, from 2013 – 2015.
You can also see him refereeing, instructing and volunteering at various tournaments around the area.
Congratulations, Peter.
Official: This individual has demonstrated a positive influence as a dedicated, skilled official, in refereeing pickleball at local, regional, or provincial tournaments. They are recognized by their peers as having given countless hours to improve the professionalism of pickleball as a qualified referee.
The 2020 PO Officials Award goes to Cindy Biederman.
Cindy often makes herself available to referee at tournaments. She keeps her cool and ensures a fair game for all. She is a student of the game, and strives to keep up to date on the ever changing rules. She also is a regular contributor to online forums discussing different scenarios and associated rulings. Cindy is patient and knowledgeable while she counsels new referees and scorekeepers during the experience phase of their training.
Congratulations to Cindy.
Community: The Community Award recognizes an individual who inspires others to actively participate in pickleball. This volunteer has given much of their time and effort to create or maintain programs in their community. Their leadership skills and positive inclusive attitude fosters a fun and enjoyable learning experience for all.
This year, we are recognizing three communities whose community leaders have really grown pickleball in their areas.
Firstly, Norene Clancy has tirelessly built up the London pickleball community and is a recipient of the 2020 PO Community Award. Norene was a founding member of the London Pickleball Club circa 2012 and she served as the Secretary Treasurer from 2012 to 2018. For three of those years ( 2015-18)Norene did double duty and also was the President of LPC.
Norene has been heavily involved in the London Pickleball Club’s invitational tournament for 7 years. Norene volunteered at the first three and then was in charge of registration at the next three including being Tournament Director in 2017.
That tournament besides the Ontario Championships is the longest running invitational event in pickleball and Norene was a major contributor to that success.
London Pickleball Club acknowledged Norene’s value in 2016.
She was named their Volunteer of the Year. With members understanding Norene could win this honour every year ,it is now called the Norene Clancy Volunteer of the Year award and she is not eligible.
Norene communicates regularly with the London pickleball community, runs fund raisers, and convenes the Huff and Puff club, which is thriving under her leadership and energy.
Congratulations Norene.
Also being awarded the 2020 PO Community Award is Nelson Granger. For 9 years running Nelson has been the face of pickleball in Neustadt. Pickleball has grown from nothing to a thriving club where they attract players from the town of 500 plus surrounding areas. He works tirelessly at all aspects of the club, expanding hours of play into the evenings for increased participation, arranging social events off the courts, etc. He joined the local recreation committee to keep pickleball front and centre in the eyes of the town.
Congratulations, Nelson.
The third 2020 PO Community Award goes to Ryan Hanes. The Kingston community has benefitted from Ryan’s extensive expertise as a spokesperson, tournament organizer, consultant, referee trainer and coach. His dedication and tireless efforts have increased the profile of pickleball in our community in so many ways. Ryan has taken on the lion’s share of the legwork, whether it is negotiating with city personnel or obtaining sponsorships or running tournaments. Without his efforts Kingston wouldn’t have a fine indoor facility, nor would there be such a large number of local players.
In addition, other communities have benefitted from Ryan’s extensive knowledge base. He has consulted with other clubs and municipalities in terms of court setup (spacing, orientation), club management, tournament planning and the like.
Congratulations, Ryan.