Local pickleball legend honoured

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This article was published 30/11/2022 (191 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Len Bakalinsky recently celebrated his 90th birthday in one of the most unique and memorable ways possible — by playing in a pickleball tournament organized in his honour.

In honour of the milestone, Bakalinsky’s daughter Cheryl Senensky organized a special tournament in celebration of her father and his love of the sport. At the tournament, Bakalinsky was surprised with a special plaque presented by Maples MLA Minto Sandhu, recognizing his impact to the local pickleball community at 90.

“It was a huge honour,” Bakalinsky said. “I can’t move around the court the same way as the younger players, so being accepted by the other players, in tournaments and at games at the community centre is simply wonderful.”

The active Garden City resident only started playing the sport five years ago and credits it as a key component of a healthy lifestyle into his nineties.

“It is a lot of hard work, but good health isn’t a given. By doing the things I am doing, I believe I am putting the odds in my favour,” Bakalinsky added.

The local pickleball community of players has grown in recent years, aided by investments by the Garden City Community Centre, including new nets and equipment. The facility has two pickleball courts and supplies players with paddles and balls.

Bakalinsky originally went to the community centre to join an exercise class, but wound up discovering pickleball instead.

“The exercise class instructor was moving way too fast, so I checked on the bulletin board to see if they had any other activities and I saw pickleball for seniors. I checked it out and have never stopped!”

He credits his love for pickleball with forming great friendships, including adding his daughter and son-in-law to the roster of local players.

“Some of the nicest people you will ever find play pickleball. It makes me feel great when some of the best players like Romeo and Ramon, say ‘come on Len, let’s play together’,” he said.

He urges anyone interested in playing the game to give it a try, noting there is no age-limit, and its popularity keeps expanding. Bakalinsky has lived in the neighbourhood for over 60 years—before pickleball was invented and prior to construction of the local community centre.

“We bought our first house, a display home on Coralberry Avenue for $15,500. Those were the days!” he shares with a laugh.

Bakalinsky gives a final piece of advice for living a healthy and happy life at 90 years, and beyond.

“Just keep moving. Never stop. There is no better way to accomplish this than playing pickleball!”

A very happy 90th birthday to Bakalinsky and wishing him many more years on the court!

Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com