The Pickleball Association of Ontario (PAO) recently developed a recognition program to acknowledge and thank the many volunteers who have helped to grow the sport of pickleball across the province. The Builder Award, Community Award, Official Award and Ambassador Award are each presented to one person annually to honour his/her significant contributions to the sport.
This year’s Provincial Ambassador Award was presented to Angela Hupalo of the Saugeen Shores Pickleball Club.
The Ambassador Award is given to a volunteer who has been a positive influence and has greatly impacted the way that pickleball has grown in their community. The person has not only shown leadership but has also increased awareness and participation of pickleball in their region. They have acted as a liaison between the PAO and their own community.
Angela has been an Ambassador for the Saugeen Shores Pickleball Club since it’s inception in 2012 and instrumental in growing the sport of pickleball in the Saugeen Shores area. In the beginning, Angela and another founding member, toured the community in hopes of finding a site for some pickleball courts. Ultimately, a space was found at Lakeshore Recreation and pickleball in Saugeen Shores began with four outdoor courts. Thanks to Angela’s love of the sport and persistence in finding new players, the club now has 150 members and eight dedicated pickleball courts. Angela was also involved in securing indoor space for play during the winter months and the Club currently plays indoors four times a week at Port Elgin United Church.
With her Co-Ambassador, the SSPC schedule has been developed to provide times for all levels of ability, as well as drop-in-lessons, ‘mentor play’, weekly round robins and winter “Skills and Drills”. The Ambassadors organize inter-club play and an annual Club Tournament, as well as a number of social events throughout both indoor and outdoor play seasons. And Connie, a year-round member added, Angela even takes the pickleballs home during ‘cold and flu season’ and washes them weekly!
Besides what you see at the courts six mornings a week, Angela takes care of the Club business after hours as well. She is the bookkeeper/treasurer/accountant/purchaser!
The SSPC plays at Lakeshore six mornings a week in the summer season and four times a week at Port Elgin United Church during the indoor season. If you haven’t had a chance to play pickleball before, why not give it a try!
Angela was nominated by Club Member Bill Haley and Co-Ambassador Marcia Hesse.
