Fred Brown (far right) finished third in the intermediate division. (Submitted photo/Devin Gorder)

By Nolan Kowal

Lifetime sport

Top 3 finish for 81-year-old P.A. pickleball player

Dec 7, 2023 | 2:15 PM

Fred Brown is living proof that pickleball is a lifetime sport.

The 81-year-old resident of Prince Albert finished third in the intermediate division this past weekend at what was the first official tournament run by the Prince Albert Pickleball Club.

“It was just fun to compete,” said Brown, who said he’s been playing the sport for about five years. “I was the oldest one in our group so that made it a little extra special, but it was just a well-organized event.

“The people that organized it did an excellent job and it was just good to be part of the event.”

The tournament featured 65 players in five different categories: advanced men’s, intermediate men’s, advanced women’s, intermediate women’s, and an individual event as well.

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

21h ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

21h ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

22h ago

“You have to be in fairly good physical condition to play, it’s a fairly demanding sport,” Brown said. “But it’s a lot of fun and it is a sport that is really growing.”

Fred Brown (front) competes at the tournament. (Submitted photo/Devin Gorder)

Brown added that his experience in another sport has helped him on the pickleball court.

“I used to play a lot of ping pong, and that’s got some similar moves as well. So it is related to ping pong and that was my sport in the past,” he said.

Finally, the event was a family affair of sorts for Brown, who competed against his 18-year-old grandson who came from Regina to play.

“That was extra special,” he said.

Tournament organizer Devin Gorder said Brown’s accomplishment at the tournament was no small feat.

“It’s just incredible to watch somebody of that age…not that age is the biggest barrier, but he’s 81 and to be playing with a whole mix of people much younger than him like his grandson of course,” said Gorder, who has played games against Brown.

“It’s just a real inspiration to watch somebody of that level of health and activity and fitness to be participating in a physical activity like that.”

Brown added that he hopes the tournament is held again next year so that he can participate again.

—

nolan.kowal@pattisonmedia.com