Gore pickleball tournament reaches 145 players

The Southern Slam national pickleball tournament will draw 145 competitors to the Gore Multisports Complex from November 6 to 8. The event marks the fourth year of the fixture and represents a fourfold increase in participation compared to its inaugural year.

Tournament director Dan Winkel stated that the growth trajectory has been steady since the first event. The participant count rose from 36 in the initial year to 54 the following year, then to 106, before reaching the current total of 145. Winkel described this year as the tournament's largest to date and expressed excitement about the continued expansion.

Players from Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland are registered to compete in singles and doubles matches. The age range of competitors spans from 14 to over 70. Athletes are graded using the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating system, and medals are sponsored by the Mataura Licensing Trust.

Winkel attributed the increase in attendance to strong nationwide connections and the retention of returning visitors. He noted that the local community aims to provide Southern hospitality to incoming players. Approximately 20 players from Southland are participating, with about half of those residing in Gore.

Pickleball has been present in Gore for eight years. The local program includes twice-weekly drop-in sessions at the Gore Multisports Complex on Thursdays, which currently attract more than 20 attendees. The public is invited to watch the tournament free of charge at the MLT Event Centre on Wayland St West.

The tournament requires pre-registration for all participants. The event will conclude on November 8, with medals awarded to top performers in various categories.