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Powell River pickleballers shine at Sunshine Coast Arena Bowl

Six players bring home medals from annual competition
Carmen Brown and Pam Iwasiuk, Powell River
TOP TWO PAIRS: Powell River pickleball aficionados Pam Iwasiuk [right] and Carmen Brown [second from right] earned gold medals at a tournament held in Gibsons on Sunday, June 9. The pair finished ahead of another Powell River team consisting of Sharon St. Laurent [left] and Diane Hatch [second from left], who won silver. Contributed photo

This past Sunday marked the sixth annual Arena Bowl Pickleball Challenge at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre.

The Sunshine Coast Pickleball Association’s tournament once again featured the talents of a growing group of avid pickleballers.

When the whiffle-type pickleballs finally fell silent, gold and silver medals were awarded to 14 doubles teams in seven skill-based events. Of note was the performance of Powell River’s pickleballers, who picked up six medals over the course of the event.

In the 3.0 Women’s category, Carmen Brown and Pam Iwasiuk won gold medals, edging out fellow Powell River residents Sharon St. Laurent and Diane Hatch, who took home silver.

Powell River’s Pete Grassmann earned a gold medal teaming up with Kirk Exner of Sechelt in Men’s 4.0. Powell Riverite Rick Kenard also won a gold medal, in 3.5, with Russ Drake of Gibsons.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America.