YORKTON - The Gloria Hayden Centre was the locale of some fine senior pickleball play Saturday.
The Parkland Valley District of the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association Inc. (SSFA) was hosting its qualifier event for the upcoming SSFA 55+ Games scheduled to be held in Prince Albert June 14-16. The provincial event is normally held every two years.
“The winners go on to provincials,” said Dave Weiman, president of Parkland group, adding the top finishers can “then go to Nationals,” which will be held in Kamloops, B.C. Aug. 23-26.
At the provincial level pickleball is one of 19 sports. Weiman noted bowling held its Parkland Valley in Yorkton earlier April.
Action in Yorkton took place in three categories; doubles for men, women and mixed, with 24 teams competing.
Participants came from across the Parkland Valley District which ranges north to Preeceville, Sturgis, to the Manitoba border, to Churchbridge and over to Ituna and Foam Lake.
On the men’s side the team of Brad Hillick of Sturgis and Jim Lee of Preeceville won gold in the 3.0 division over Keith Neumier and Brian Rutherford of Langenburg.
The tandem of Ken Kolisnik of Canora and Gerard Osicki of Melville took the gold medals in the 3.5 Division over Dave Bella of Melville and Terry Spilchen of Churchbridge.
Kim Dobko and Janet Simpson of Yorkton took gold on the women’s side over Marlene Schrader and Brenda Serfling, also of Yorkton.
In mixed doubles action Ken Kolisnek and Janet Simpson captured gold over Dave Bella and Jody Chupa.
The SSFA is a volunteer, non-government organization formed on December 1984 in response to the need for an activity program for people fifty years of age and older. Itis directed by a volunteer Board of Directors who represents all districts of Saskatchewan. The main objective of the association is to promote active living, wellness and participation. SSFA operates with funding from the Saskatchewan Lotteries and district fund-raising endeavors.
