People playing pickleball/via Getty Creative

The Kamloops Pickleball Club is hosting the 2024 International Kamloops Open, one of Canada’s most anticipated pickleball tournaments.

The event will run from Friday to Sunday at Riverside Park, with organizers saying the event “promises to be a highlight in the pickleball calendar.”

Event organizer Wilma Steinke says they’re expecting 370 participants from age 14 to 79, both men and women.

“This is a recreational tournament. However, we do have some of the top players in Canada participating,” said Steinke. “Pickleball goes in different levels, from 3.0 to 5.0. We have a full slate of 5.0’s competing.”

The event itself is drawing in compeditors from BC, as well as Ontario, Arizona, Washington, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in North America, and the enthusiasm in Kamloops is palpable. Our community of over 600 members is buzzing with excitement, and the Riverside courts are always bustling with eager players,” said Steinke.