Two exceptional athletes from Thunder Bay have been selected to represent Team Ontario in the upcoming Canadian National Pickleball Championships being held in Winnipeg, MB, Aug 19-24, 2025. This event will showcase the finest talents from across the country, and Thunder Bay's representatives, Jason Horychuk along with Florina Nisioiu will be competing in the highly competitive singles category. Horychuk will compete in the Open Division (age 49 and under), while Nisioiu will compete in the Masters Division (age 50 and above). Horychuk is a certified PPR coaching professional and has promoted the sport of pickleball for over seven years. He’s taught hundreds of people, including youth, in Thunder Bay, several towns across northwestern Ontario, Winnipeg, and Grand Marais, Minnesota.
Horychuk and Nisioiu's selections mark a significant achievement for Thunder Bay, highlighting the region's growing prominence in the sport of pickleball. They have both competed and won at various levels locally and outside the city. Being selected to Team Ontario is not just an honour and testament to an athlete's skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. Athletes who earn a place on Team Ontario have demonstrated their prowess through training, top-tier performance in competitions, and a commitment to the sport.
The Canadian national pickleball championships will bring together the best players from each province, showcasing the pinnacle of Canadian talent in this rapidly growing sport. Each province will field two teams of athletes, one team in the Open Division and another team in the Masters Division. They will compete in singles, women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles categories.
Joining Horychuk and Nisioiu in the national championships will be 15 others from Thunder Bay. Competing will be top local junior players Kya Parker and Horychuk’s son Aleksandr, and one of the City’s top seniors, Tom Steele.
Immediately following the national championships is the Ontario provincial championships, being held in Downsview, Ontario, August 28-31. Horychuk, Nisioiu, and others have registered and will compete in it.
In recent years, pickleball has surged in popularity, becoming the fastest growing sport in North America, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. This dynamic and accessible sport has captured the hearts of athletes across the continent. Pickleball is celebrated for its ease of play, inclusivity, and low cost of entry, attracting participants of all ages and skill levels. The sport's growth is evident in the increasing number of dedicated pickleball courts, clubs, and tournaments sprouting up in communities. From recreational players to competitive athletes, the pickleball community is thriving, bringing people together in the spirit of fun and fitness.
As the countdown to the championships begins, Thunder Bay will be rallying behind Horychuk and Nisioiu. With their sights set on victory, these local stars are ready to make their mark on the national stage, bringing pride to their community and inspiring the next generation of pickleball enthusiasts.
