Intro to Pickleball - Oromocto, NB

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Intro to Pickleball 10, 17, 24 March, 1300-1530 is now open. The application deadline is 17 February 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Join us for 3 weekly sessions of pickleball designed for beginners. Soldier On will partner with the Gagetown Pickleball Club, this event will introduce participants to the basics of pickleball, with experienced instructors guiding you through rules, techniques, and gameplay. Whether you're new to the sport or looking to enhance your skills, this is the perfect opportunity to learn in a supportive and welcoming environment. 
Equipment will be provided.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 12. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from within an hour of the Oromocto Area who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

*NOTE FOR SERVING MEMBERS: Amidst current financial limitations and a federal directive to reduce defense spending within DND by a Billion dollars, serving members' participation in Soldier On events and activities will now be limited to within their own local    region (i.e., selection for event outside of where they reside is unlikely). As a result, serving members are advised that participation beyond their local area is likely to be denied, as Soldier On cannot sponsor any temporary duty status for serving members in order to align with government guidelines for expenditure reduction. Unfortunately, serving members are not authorized to participate in Soldier On activities and events while on leave.*

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Mondays 10, 17, 24 March
1300hrs- Arrive Gagetown Fieldhouse and Sign waiver
1310hrs-Skill, Drill and Game Play
1530hrs-Clean up and Depart for day

• TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
  Participants are advised that meals and transportation will not be provided by Soldier On for this event. Participants will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the event location, travel and meals are not eligible for reimbursement for this event.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate 1.5 hours of light-moderate paced activity each session. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

To play pickleball, the body must be able to move quickly, maintain balance, and react swiftly during rallies. Players need to rotate their torso for powerful swings, bend and reach for low shots, and sustain moderate activity levels for extended play. However, adaptations can be made based on physical ability or injuries, allowing for modifications to movements and intensity to suit individual needs while still enjoying the game. Participants must be able to participate in Pickleball without issue or being in violation of their MELs.

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. Applicants are advised that the activity for this event will be located at Canadian Armed Forces bases/facilities, and thus they may be exposed to a day-to-day military environment.
 

ALL MEMBERS
Deadline for Nomination Forms
Must be received by Soldier On NLT 17 Feb 2025
Click on the Application Form link to express your interest.

SERVING MEMBERS ONLY
In order to be considered for selection, all serving members must also complete and submit a chain of command authorization form by the application deadline.
Authorization Form 

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PREVENTION:
Soldier On, PSP and CAF TG aim to provide a safe environment for all participants and staff. To ensure everyone’s safety, applicants understand that they should aim to adopt personal practices focused on communicable disease prevention such as health awareness, staying home when sick and regular hand cleaning to help prevent the spread.