Photos courtesy of Toronto United PC
August 15, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – Toronto United PC closed out July with their second annual “Pickleball in the Mall” event. Taking place at Sherway Gardens and with support from Cadillac Fairview, the free-of-charge, two-day event welcomed a number of participants from the greater Toronto region. Toronto United co-owner and event founder Ricky Liorti provided some insight on the summer event.
What’s the driving force behind putting this on?
The primary goal is to introduce pickleball to newcomers and demonstrate its accessibility. This is a free event, in partnership with Cadillac Fairview and Sherway Gardens, aimed at growing the sport locally and promoting active lifestyles.
Can you explain the format for these events?
We organize the sessions into 20-minute slots, starting with a 10-minute mini lesson followed by a 10-minute game. This format highlights how quickly one can learn and enjoy pickleball. Additionally, we host professional exhibition matches every few hours to showcase the excitement and fun of watching top-level pickleball.
Personally, what’s your favourite part of the event?
Undoubtedly, it’s seeing the smiles on participants’ faces. Although the days are long and demanding, the enthusiasm from attendees, especially when they talk about purchasing their own paddles and playing with friends, makes it all worthwhile.
What kind of athletes do you welcome to this event?
While this is primarily a Toronto United event, we strive to include players from across the province, regardless of their professional affiliations. Our goal is to make this an annual event that continues to attract returning and new participants.
Who would you like to thank?
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support from Cadillac Fairview and Sherway Gardens. A special thanks to our premier partner, Total Sports Solutions Pickleball, for constructing the court in the mall—a challenging yet brilliantly executed task. Additionally, a shoutout to Diink for supplying the paddles used throughout the event.
Anything to add? What’s next for Toronto United?
Toronto United’s focus remains on expanding the sport’s presence in Toronto and striving for excellence both on and off the court. We hope to see more public courts in the region and perhaps even establish a dedicated home court in the future.
For more info on Toronto United, visit: https://torontounitedpc.com
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