National Bank Financial, Okanagan Wealth Advisors Pickleball Complex in Marshall Field. (Vernon Matters photo)

By Vernon Matters Staff

players from BC

First pickleball tournament since 2019 this weekend

Mar 10, 2022 | 5:00 PM

The Vernon Pickleball Association is more than ready to host its first tournament since 2019.

The group has announced the inaugural ‘Royal LePage Frostbite Classic’ Men’s Doubles Pickleball Tournament will be held at the National Bank Financial, Okanagan Wealth Advisors Pickleball Complex (O.W.A.) this Saturday March 12 starting at 9 a.m.

The tournament will also be the first held in the Marshall Field facility since the roof was raised in 2021, which made it the largest dedicated covered (all season) pickleball complex in Canada.

Darcy Sochan, personal real estate corporation, of Royal LePage Downtown Realty Vernon, says he’s honoured to be sponsoring the event.

“It is exciting to be part of this wonderful tournament and for it to be played in this fabulous facility. Best wishes to all participants! Good luck, and have fun!,” he said.

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L to R: Richard Chambers, VPA Tournament Committee Chair; Darcy Sochan, Tournament Sponsor; Brent Bolin, VPA Board of Directors V.P. (Submitted photo)

The event is a non-sanctioned men’s doubles round robin, with players ranging in skill level from 3.0 – 5.0. Currently there are over 90 players registered from across B.C.

There are two more upcoming tournaments sponsored by Darcy Sochan: The ‘Spring Fling’ Women’s Doubles tournament on Saturday, April 23 and the ‘Battle in the Palace’ Mixed Doubles tournament on Sunday, June 12. All registrations are done through Pickleballbrackets.com.

The Vernon Pickleball Association says spectators are allowed into the OWA complex to watch the tournament but must be double vaccinated and wear masks while inside. Spectators are asked to enter and exit from the front doors of the OWA complex only. All current provincial health orders will be followed and are subject to change.

The VPA is a non-profit society and now has over 750 members who play year-round, both recreationally and competitively. For more information, visit the VPA website at https://www.vernonpickleball.com/