K-W Badminton Club 'thrilled' over $13K pickleball grant, but it's never enough

The vice president of the K-W Badminton Club says he's "thrilled" to get a $13,331 provincial grant to start a new freepickleball programfor 192 local kids,butDan Pronovost says "there's never enough money" when it comes to sport in Ontario.

The money comes as part of a wider announcement from the provincial government, which sees the Ontario Liberals spread$7.2 million between 129 organizations, which worksout to an average of $55,813.95 per group.

The K-W Badminton Club's share amounts to $13,331, which will be used this fall to bankroll the organization's new,free pickleball programfor 192 youthbetween the ages of 10 to 17.

However, Pronovost is quick to admit the money isn't enough when it comes to sport in Ontario.

"To be honest, no," he said."There's just not enough facility to serve sports groups."

"Once we start creating programs like this the demand is there," he said. "There's just a lot of money required."

"It's not just program grants.Buildings are in terrible need of repair. We have an 80-year-old building. We've poured over $500,000 since we've purchased the building outright and there's a lot of money needed to keep our facilities that serve the communities alive."

"I think it's a wonderful first step and I'm thrilled the government is doing this finally,"Pronovostsaid, noting he hopes the money will help his organization break new ground by getting more young people interested inpickleball, a sport that blends elements of differentracquetsports, including badminton, tennis and tabletennis.

"Noone has ever done this for youth," he said. "Pickleballis traditionally a seniors' sport. People think ofpickleball, they think of people who are retired playing, but it's a ton of fun and is extremely active."