On March 19, 2016, the Administrators at the Milliken Community Centre hosted a Fun Charitable tournament to commemorate and preserve the memory of Tony Sequeira, the first Ambassador and Founder of Pickleball in Scarborough, Ontario.
Tony introduced the game of Pickleball at the Milliken Recreation Centre in Scarborough in 2001. Over the years, it spread to other centres in Toronto and then further afield. Today it is played actively in countless community centres and schools across Ontario. The game of Pickleball which we all love to play, has brought many people together in many different ways. The activities on this day were in recognition of Tony’s time and efforts but more importantly, to thank him for enriching our lives in such a positive way. Those of us who had the opportunity to meet and play with Tony, know that he had a great passion for the game and to see the game grow to what it is today, certainly brought him a great amount of joy and pride.Tony was always humble about his accomplishments but one of his greatest achievements was teaching others how to play the game.
Unfortunately, we lost Tony to Bladder cancer on September 5, 2014 but during his last days, even though he was very weak, he continued to graciously receive all the Pickleball players/visitors, and this was just a testimony on how much he loved and respected the game and the people who played it.
“Thank you” Tony for a job well done and as we continue to play this great game called “Pickleball” we will always remember you in our hearts and prayers.