BURSTPrince Rupert players topped the podium across multiple divisions at the third annual pickleball FUN-A-MENT.
The tournament brought more than 80 competitors to the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre on April 11 and 12.
In the highly competitive singles division, Mark Temis claimed first place, followed by Thai Pham in second and Chris Beattie in third, demonstrating strong local representation against a growing field of regional competitors.
The event, hosted by the Prince Rupert Pickleball Society, welcomed players from across the North, including Terrace, Kitimat and Haida Gwaii, as well as participants travelling from Vancouver Island, underscoring the sport’s growing reach and popularity.
In the beginner and novice doubles division, David Tran and James Leach secured first place. Amol Ajgaonkar and Kaeden De Araujo finished second, while Emily Ferguson and Jordan Bax claimed third.
The women’s doubles division saw Amy Dopson and Jaime Wiebe take first, Jeany de Wit and Jennifer Hidber finishing second, and Melissa Rocha and Darla Farrington placing third.
In men’s doubles, Naveen Mathew and Jeremy Lafontaine earned first place, followed by Riaan de Wit and Eric Metzmeier in second, and Jugal Pandya and Stacy Smeader in third.
Mixed doubles rounded out the competition, with Jugal Pandya and Jaime Wiebe finishing first. Joe Pereira and Jennifer Lindstrom placed second, while Mark Temis and Chantelle Vera took third.
Beyond the results, the weekend attracted a strong spectator turnout and created a lively, friendly atmosphere throughout the tournament.
The Prince Rupert Pickleball Society thanked the many volunteers who helped organize and run the event, remarking that their behind-the-scenes work was key to its success.
Local sponsorship also played a major role. The title platinum sponsor, Moose Lodge, supported the Civic Centre’s two-day rental, along with “numerous major contributions from numerous local businesses and contributors,” said Darla Farrington, secretary for the Prince Rupert Pickleball Society.
“Events like this really highlight the strong sense of community we have in Prince Rupert, and the growing enthusiasm for pickleball. We’re excited to keep building on that momentum and create more opportunities for people to get involved.”