In January 2025, Pickleball Canada commissioned a Canadian research firm to gain insights into pickleball trends nationwide. The survey reached over 2,000 Canadian households and revealed that more than 1.54 million Canadians are currently participating in the sport.
Pickleball Canada also sought to understand why some Canadians may not be involved in the sport and to identify the barriers contributing to this lack of participation. The survey found that 21% of respondents cited a lack of information about the sport as the primary obstacle. To address this communication gap, Pickleball Canada launched the Ambassador Program.
The new initiative aims to enhance communication efforts and better connect with Pickleball Canada’s community. The program targets individuals who are pickleball leaders and passionate about advancing the sport.
Pickleball Canada received over 160 applications for spots in the program. After a selection process was undertaken, 17 individuals from across the country were selected based on their community involvement and dedication to our sport.
‘This initiative represents a game-changing opportunity for us to engage more meaningfully with our stakeholders. I believe it will not only enhance our ability to collaborate but also empower every individual within our organization to connect, share ideas, and contribute to our shared vision in exciting new ways. I couldn’t be more excited to see where this journey takes us!’ said Pickleball Canada Executive Director Barry Petrachenko.
Pickleball Canada is excited to announce the following individuals as the 2025 Pickleball Canada Ambassadors:
- Asaan Maherali – Sooke, B.C
- Lindsay Brown – Surrey, B.C
- Veronique Dewilde – Airdire, Alberta
- Yan Zhao – Edmonton, Alberta
- Amy Klassen – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Eduardo Skiarski – Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Gina Robinson – Newmarket, Ontario
- Jessica Toth – Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
- Mehdi Salemi – Ottawa, Ontario
- Marc-Andre Boivin – Mirabel, Quebec
- Camille Ste-Marie – Montreal, Quebec
- Michael Lanuevo – Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Bryce Dauphinee – Kentville, Nova Scotia
- David Summers – St. John’s Newfoundland
- Alison Hickman – St. John’s Newfoundland
- Melissa Clark-Brennan – Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
- Danarea Sommerville – Iqaluit, Nunavut
Stay tuned for more information surrounding the program by staying up to date with Pickleball Canada’ social media!
To find out more regarding the 2025 Pickleball Canada Ambassadors please head here.