Long-time CHV supporter, Praveen Varshney, along with fellow Vancouver Pickleball Association members, Janet Martini and Cheryl Clausen, arrived at CHV’s new gymnasium with a net, 10 paddles, and 30 balls, for a friendly game of pickleball with youth and CHV staff.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball was invented in 1965, by three Bainbridge Island fathers, whose children were bored with their usual summertime activities.
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and Ping-Pong and can be played both indoors and outdoors. The game is played on a badminton-sized court, with a slightly modified tennis net, and uses paddles and a plastic ball that has holes in it. The game can be enjoyed by two or four players.
A Day of Pickleball at CHV
So, how did this day come to be?
Praveen Varshney, principal partner of Varshney Capital Corp., has been a supporter of CHV since 1995. He was instrumental in the success of CHV’s Capital Campaign. Praveen is always trying to find new ways to support the youth that CHV serves. Praveen is as passionate about the community as he is about pickleball.
Praveen felt that pickleball would be an amazing way for youth and CHV staff to not only improve their mental and physical health, but a great way to build connections and strengthen relationships.
Praveen grew up playing tennis competitively, but now prefers pickleball because it’s a more welcoming activity that is more inclusive because it’s easier to pick up.
On a rainy Saturday in Vancouver, Praveen arrived with two enthusiastic VPA members, Janet Martini and Cheryl Clausen, to teach CHV staff and youth how to play pickleball.
The youth had an amazing day of pickleball. One youth even exclaimed that their face hurt from all the smiling and laughing.
The Vancouver Pickleball Association donated the equipment, so that youth can continue to play.
“The Vancouver Pickleball Association is pleased to provide the pickleball net and equipment so the staff and youth can learn and enjoy this wonderful, fast-growing sport. We had so much fun introducing the game, and more importantly loved all the smiles and laughter.”
– Janet Martini, Secretary; Praveen Varshney, Director; Cheryl Clausen, Director
We would like to thank Praveen for sharing his passion with youth and staff at CHV and for his ongoing support of vulnerable youth. Thanks to the Vancouver Pickleball Association for the equipment that will be well used and loved, and thank you to Janet and Cheryl for donating their time to come and support youth in learning a new pastime.