Photo: Vernon Pickleball Association

Pat Loehndorf, GM/Partner Bannister Honda with Suzanne Hocevar, Vernon Pickleball Association tournament chair.

If you build a world-class pickleball facility, they will come to play in your invitational tournament.

That is evidenced by the 300 or so registrants for the "Put your Paddle to the Medal" pickleball tournament set for Aug. 23 to 25 at the Okanagan Wealth Advisors Pickleball Complex in Vernon. 

Competition categories includes women’s doubles on Friday, mixed doubles on Saturday, and men’s doubles on Sunday with games starting at 8 a.m each day, Anne Longley said in a release. 

There are two age groups competing: 16 to 59 and 60-plus, and up to five different skill levels within each age group, Longley said. 

Competitors have registered for the tournament from across B.C. as well as elsewhere in Canada and the U.S., Longley said.

"It is Bannister Honda’s honour to be supporting the pickleball tournament for the third year running. With the sport gaining rapid popularity, it is so exciting for the dealership to be part of this wonderful tournament," said Pat Loehndorf, GM of Bannister Honda.

The Vernon Pickleball Association is hosting the tournament with proceeds going towards the Light up the Courts fund. 

The VPA is a non-profit society and has over 450 competitive and recreation members who play year-round.

The pickleball complex will be closed for public play starting Thursday and for the duration of the event, Longley noted. The public is welcome to watch the competition and may want to bring folding chairs for seating.

For more information please visit the website.