Volunteer Awards 2023

Wayne Roswell Builder Award

This award recognizes those, worked with Pickleball Ontario to establish program(s) in their region (city) which has resulted in the rapid growth of pickleball. Their enthusiasm and positive energy encouraged others to become involved in the development of the sport and work with Pickleball Ontario.

Bruce Bozec – Peterborough Pickleball Association

Community Award

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.

Linda Marasco – Soo Pickleball

Merrie Lee-Ambassador Award

This volunteer ambassador has been a positive influence and has greatly impacted the way that pickleball has grown in their community. This person has not only shown leadership but has also increased awareness and participation of pickleball in their region. They have acted as a liaison between PAO and their own community.

Michael Bowcott – Richmond Hill Pickleball Club

The Award of Distinction will be reserved for individuals who demonstrate outstanding and sustained dedication to the advancement and flourishing of pickleball in our province at the local and provincial level. This distinction will not adhere to a fixed schedule but will be bestowed upon deserving recipients as their exceptional contributions unfold.

The criteria for this award will encompass various aspects, including but not limited to leadership, innovation, mentorship and a lasting positive influence on the Pickleball community. We encourage you to keep us informed about any individual you believe may be deserving of this prestigious honour.

AWARD OF DISTINCTION 2023

The Board of Pickleball Ontario, would like to present our very first Award of Distinction to a very deserving Gail Prior.

Gail has played a significant role in the development and promotion of Pickleball in Ontario. Her dedication is evident through her involvement in various leadership positions, including being past president of Pickleball Ontario, and the Ontario Senior Games and is president of the Komoka Pickleball Club. Having served on the board of PCO and is now serving on the Pickleball Federation of the Americas, further indicates her commitment to the sport, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. We thank her for her multifaceted contribution to the growth of Pickleball.

How to Become a PAO Member Club.

In order to receive the benefits described, your club must be registered as a Member Club with Pickleball Ontario. This requires a signed agreement, which we provide. It indicates the club will abide by the following conditions:

– Recognize Pickleball Ontario provincially and Pickleball Canada nationally as the governing bodies of pickleball in Ontario and Canada respectively
– Support the vision, mission and goals of Pickleball Ontario and Pickleball Canada
– Maintain 100 % membership in Pickleball Ontario and Pickleball Canada
– Have a minimum of 10 people designated as members of the Home Club
– Have a Board of Directors
– Charge fees to participate in the club
– Have a bank account
– Have a non-misleading name
– Designate one person to interact with Pickleball Ontario

CONTACT: suzannepenner@pickleballontario.org

Why Join Pickleball Ontario

As a member of PAO you will

– enjoy recreational and tournament play
– have the ability to play in sanctioned, provincial and regional tournaments
– be entitled to Sport Insurance
– have access to the PAO website (Members’ page)
– have access to coaching and referee certification
– receive updates about the game through emails, newsletters and magazines
– have access to coaching and referee certification
– provide support to the Provincial Sport Organization that is committed to growing the game in Ontario