What began a few years ago with a handful of enthusiastic cottagers has grown into a
thriving Padel community of over 200 members. Longtime Muskoka residents Rob and
Kate Wharton spent a decade living in Spain where Padel is deeply embedded in the
culture followed by several years in Dubai, another major hub for the popular sport.

Drawing on that international experience, they founded Bounce Padel Courts and helped to
fuel Padel’s rapid growth throughout Muskoka. Today, Bounce is the leading North
American manufacturer of premium super-panoramic Padel courts. In Muskoka alone, that
momentum has resulted in more than 35 courts and counting.

This past Labour Day Long Weekend, the Muskoka Padel community turned its passion
for the sport into an opportunity to give back, participating in a tournament played across
twelve courts in support of local health care.

“The Muskoka Padel community has tremendous appreciation for the hard work and
dedication of the team at our local Bracebridge hospital, and we were proud to show our
support through the group’s philanthropic efforts,” said Andrew Sheiner, a local cottager
who brought the community together and spearheaded the fundraiser.
The remarkable growth from $38,841 raised in 2025 to $138,250 in 2026 reflects the
generosity of Muskoka’s growing Padel community and its commitment to strengthening
local health care.

“We are truly grateful to the Muskoka Padel community for choosing to turn something
they love into something that gives back” said Tammy Selkirk, Community Giving
Coordinator at South Muskoka Hospital Foundation. “Their generosity is a beautiful
reminder of the heart of Muskoka neighbours coming together, supporting one another, and
helping ensure exceptional care is available close to home. It’s this incredible spirit of
community that makes Muskoka so special.”

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Harris was among more than 3,000 athletes from a wide range of sports who participated in free local qualifier events across the country earlier this year. At events athletes, whose ages range from 14-25, perform core speed, strength, power and endurance tests in front of Olympic talent scouts.

Participants aim to either find the sport that they are most suited for, or earn a funding boost in their existing sport based on their raw physical abilities. 

The top 100 athletes from across the country deemed to have great Olympic potential will now compete in the RBC Training Ground national final which will occur on Oct. 3, 2026 in Toronto. From there, 35 athletes will earn funding, a spot in the national development program with one of 16 partner National Sport Organizations, and an accelerated path to the Olympics. 

“Ryker has embraced the pursuit of high-performance goals and has shown clear improvement across canoe, kayak, and kayak cross events this season,” said James Cartwright, Senior High Performance Manager & Coach Development at Canoe Kayak Canada. “He participated in several international races in Europe, consistently progressing toward the top third of the field in his U16 age group. We’re excited to see him compete at the RBC Final”

Harris finished 16th in the MC1 event at the Junior World Championships. 

During the RBC Training Ground National Final, athletes’ speed, power, strength and endurance will once again be tested against sport-specific, high-performance benchmarks under supervision of program sport partners. An athlete’s anthropomorphic measurements (height, wingspan, etc.), sport-specific testing that happened during regional qualifiers, and competitive sport history also play a role in who is selected for funding. 

The finalists will be joined by RBC Training Ground alumni and several Olympic medalists.

The 35 athletes selected for funding will be announced in the weeks following the final. The funding is administered by the participating National Sport Organization bringing the athlete into its system, and is used for things like coaching, transportation, travel, equipment and nutrition. 

“I’m super excited to compete for the second time and I’m ready for redemption,” Harris said in his national final acceptance registration. “The funding of being an RBC athlete would allow me to pay for my travels to competition events and training camps, giving me a higher level of coaching. 

The complete list of finalists is available on the RBC Training Ground website.

About The Program

RBC Training Ground is a nation-wide talent identification and athlete-funding program dedicated to finding and supporting the next generation of Canadian Olympians. Since its inception in 2016, the program has tested 23,000 athletes at free local events across Canada, while also offering flexible virtual opportunities to participants unable to attend qualifiers in person. In 2026, more athletes registered for RBC Training Ground than in any other season.

Eleven RBC Training Ground graduates competed for Team Canada at the recent Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games: an exciting culmination of a decade of finding and funding future Olympians. Since its inception in 2016, RBC Training Ground has identified potential in over 23,000 athletes and helped 28 Canadian athletes become Olympians across four different Olympic Games. These alumni have contributed an impressive total of 14 medals to Canada’s Olympic legacy. 

A new season of RBC Training Ground will be launching in early 2027. Visit RBCTrainingGround.ca for a complete schedule and details.

The post Huntsville Athlete Selected For Second Olympic Talent Search National Final appeared first on Muskoka411.

Leslie Klatt, Owner and CEO of the organization said “This was the vision since far before the first show in August.  We pride ourselves in creating a platform to develop fighters and contribute to the growth of the industry. The headliner of our debut event warranted Title Contention. And we will only grow from here and welcome the fighters to grow with us.”

Title Quest brings North American titles to the Fight Night Barrie cage for the first time – with two explosive bouts currently awaiting sanctioning approval.

Some of the most accomplished North American talent in the sport will step in to compete for hardware that means something – not a participation belt, but a symbol of who has earned the right to be called the best on the continent.

Pete Rodley, VP of Operations with OFGC states – “A belt is earned after years of climbing the ladder, sacrifice and success. For 25 years I rewarded athletes with this recognition, from Georges St. Pierre to David Loiseau, at the early UCC events, to Mark Hominick’s debut at UCC10. I’m very proud to be assisting this new exciting group to bring these opportunities to a new generation.”

A Stacked Card

Title Quest brings together a card built for this moment:

• Two North American title fights, currently awaiting sanctioning approval
• Returning warriors from Fight Night Barrie’s debut show, back to build on that first night
• A deep, successful amateur lineup showcasing the region’s rising talent
• International competitors bringing a global level of skill into the Sadlon Arena cage
• Fight Night Barrie’s signature ring girls, part of the full event-night experience
• Barrie’s own voice on your ride home with Rock95 – Ben McCully as Ring Announcer and MC.

At the debut show, August 15th, VIP tables and preferred seating were completely sold out.

As a result, we are offering priority tickets for Title Quest right now.

Interested athletes, gyms, media, sponsors and fans can reach us at the contact information below.

About Fight Night Barrie

Fight Night Barrie is an OAC-sanctioned Pro/Am MMA event series held at Sadlon Arena in Barrie, Ontario, produced by Official Fight Group of Companies (OFGC).

Athletes, Gyms, Tickets and General Inquiries Contact

Leslie Klatt 705.529.9544

Sponsorship  Contact

Pete Rodley 705.862.0611

Official Fight Group of Co.

Info@fightnightbarrie.ca

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

@fight_night_barrie

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The young Hawks, all just seven and eight years old, competed in the U9 B division against teams from across the province and capped off the tournament with an emphatic 8-1 victory over the Arthur Aces in the championship final.

The championship is the first provincial title for the Huntsville Hawks since the U13 team captured its division in 2022.

The Hawks entered provincials after an outstanding regular season, posting a 19-9-1 record, good for 17th overall in the province and a spot in the B division.

In round-robin play, Huntsville finished first in its pool with a 2-0-1 record, earning victories over the Clarington Gaels and Wallaceburg Griffins, along with a tie against the Orangeville Northmen.

The Hawks carried that momentum into the playoff rounds, defeating the Guelph Regals in the quarter-finals before advancing to the semi-finals against the Owen Sound North Stars.

That set up a championship matchup against the Arthur Aces, where the Hawks delivered a dominant performance to claim the U9 B provincial title with an 8-1 win.

The championship caps an exceptional season for a group of young athletes who have worked hard throughout the year, supported by their coaches, families and the Huntsville lacrosse community.

Champions Parade

Huntsville District Minor Lacrosse will celebrate the team’s achievement with a Champions Parade on August 31.

The parade will begin at Huntsville Public School at 5:15 p.m., travelling down Main Street and then up Brunel Road before concluding at the Active Living Centre.

Fans, family members and community supporters are encouraged to come out along the parade route to celebrate and congratulate the young provincial champions.

Congratulations to the Huntsville Hawks U9-1 Bloomfield Construction team on an incredible season and their provincial championship!

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Rock the Pickle returns to Muskoka on Saturday, August 22, 2026, for its third annual celebrity-driven sporting event and fundraiser in support of Melanoma Canada. This year’s event is bigger than ever, expanding beyond pickleball to include Rock the Racquet, a new tennis division, while continuing its mission of raising awareness and funds for melanoma and skin cancer prevention, education, research, and patient support.

The event begins at 8:30 AM at the Port Carling Community Centre with player
check-in, breakfast, and celebrity exhibition matches before participants head to
stunning private courts throughout Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph for tournament play.

The event concludes with The Pickle Ball, an evening celebration featuring cocktails,
dinner, awards, live entertainment, and fundraising.

“Rock the Pickle is about bringing people together through sport while making a real
impact in the fight against melanoma,” said Joel Hock, Founder of Rock the Pickle and
CEO of Solutions With Impact. “Each year we continue to grow the event, expand our
reach, and create more opportunities to support Melanoma Canada’s incredible work.”
Noteworthy celebrity participants include PGA Tour champion Rory Sabbatini, TSN
personalities James Duthie and Lindsay Hamilton, along with former NHL player and
now Sports Broadcaster and TSN hockey analyst – Mike Johnson. Their participation
will once again bring star power to the event, helping drive public engagement,
fundraising, and awareness for Melanoma Canada.

Net proceeds support Melanoma Canada, helping fund skin cancer education and
prevention initiatives, patient support services, research, complimentary skin cancer
screenings, and the Sun Guardians Grant Program.

Registration is now open at www.rockthepickle.com. Teams are encouraged to meet
the fundraising minimums of $2,500 for 2 players and $4,000 for 4 players, through
the DonorDrive fundraising platform. All donations are fully tax receiptable.

Event Website

Event Schedule (August 22):
● 8:30 AM: Player Check-In, Breakfast & Celebrity Exhibition Matches
● 10:30 AM: Tournament Play Begins
● 3:30 PM: Semi-Final & Championship Matches
● 6:30 PM: The Pickle Ball – Cocktail Reception & Dinner
● 8:00 PM: Awards Presentation
● 9:00 PM – Late: The Pickle Ball Celebration

About Rock the Pickle
Founded in 2024, Rock the Pickle combines sport, philanthropy, and celebrity
involvement to champion melanoma awareness and prevention. Now in its third year,
the event has expanded to include both pickleball and tennis, bringing together athletes,
business leaders, celebrities, and supporters for an unforgettable day in Muskoka while
raising critical funds for Melanoma Canada.
Complimentary Skin Cancer Screenings

As part of Rock the Pickle 2026, Melanoma Canada will offer complimentary skin cancer
screenings throughout the day at the Port Carling Community Centre.
A board-certified dermatologist will be on site providing free skin examinations to eligible
participants, helping identify suspicious lesions while educating attendees about skin
cancer prevention, sun safety, and the importance of early detection.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada, yet access to dermatologists
remains a challenge for many Canadians. By bringing a certified dermatologist directly
to Rock the Pickle, Melanoma Canada continues its commitment to improving access to
potentially lifesaving screenings and promoting early detection.

About Melanoma Canada

Melanoma Canada is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to supporting
Canadians affected by melanoma and skin cancer. Through education, advocacy,
patient support, research funding, and early detection initiatives, Melanoma Canada
works to reduce the impact of melanoma and skin cancer across the country.
For more information about Melanoma Canada, please visit
www.melanomacanada.ca.

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The US, and to a lesser extent Mexico, may have attracted most of the headlines, but Canada hosting the world’s biggest and most prestigious soccer tournament is transformative, pushing the sport forward like the 1994 World Cup did for the US. Soccer was by no means unknown in Canada before this summer, but things could really change now.

There will be more coverage of the domestic game, as well as the international teams, more Canadian players being touted for big-money moves to the elite leagues of Europe, and, yes, more coverage of soccer in all the best Canadian sportsbooks. MyTopSportsbooks is the place to find out about those sites, but this cannot be just a momentary spike in interest. The World Cup happening right here in Canada should be the start of something incredible for Canadian soccer.

World Cup Achievement

Canada had qualified for a World Cup finals before and even played in the last edition in 2022. But the 2026 World being played on home soil was different, and the squad recorded a number of firsts that can be built on over the coming years. A first-ever point was won in the opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and then there was the first-ever win with the thrashing of Qatar.

The loss to Switzerland was a blow, as it meant that Les Rouges would not play in Canada again. But they showed their talent in Los Angeles when they won a first-ever World Cup knockout game against South Africa. These are the types of achievements that could have created Canadian soccer fans for life.

Recent Times in Canadian Soccer

Although Canada qualified for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, there was no ongoing benefit or national transformation. The three defeats came and went, and the team was lowly ranked when FIFA first set up their system around the time of the 1994 World Cup. Things got even worse throughout the 2000s, with the team falling as low as 122^nd in the world at one point.

Poor performances, and the resulting drop in world rankings, was matched by the dysfunction of those governing the sport in Canada at the time. It has only been in the last decade or so that the team has improved, as well as the way the game is run in this country. Now, all aspects of Canadian soccer seem to be working together.

The National Teams Lead the Way

Domestic clubs are the lifeblood of soccer, but in a country where hockey will always be number one (even though soccer is the most participated-in sport), the performance of the national teams is all-important. The women’s team has won Olympic gold and is currently ranked ninth in the world, so it has been the men who have had some catching up to do.

The last four years have been the most impressive in Canadian men’s soccer history. Qualifying for the 2022 World Cup was massive, but there was also regional success, where the team reached the semifinals of the 2021 Gold Cup. Now the target must be winning the CONCACAF title and qualifying, once again, for the World Cup. Success at a national level will bring even more fans and investment to the sport.

CPL and NSL

When it comes to domestic soccer teams, most of the attention goes to those competing in Major League Soccer. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver (for now) are the best teams in the country, and like the Canadian teams in other North American major leagues, they will attract the most fans.

But the launch of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) in 2019 is one of the most important things to happen to soccer in this country for a long time. Developing a purely national league is the best way to produce the stars of tomorrow and inspire children across Canada. Almost 90% of players at this year’s World Cup semifinals debuted in their home countries, and that is where the foundations for success are built.

The way the CPL and the Northern Super League (NSL) were so visible during this year’s World Cup is a good sign of how much bigger they can get in the years ahead. The NSL is the top-tier women’s soccer league in Canada and was launched only last year. But news of an expansion team for 2027 and higher visibility is a real positive for the sport here.

Develop the Culture and the Infrastructure

Although Canada may have more work to do than either of its co-hosts when it comes to soccer culture and support, it is not as if the country is starting from scratch. What is needed is that the soccer culture and infrastructure already present across the nation be developed and improved.

Further investment and coverage are needed now, off the back of a successful World Cup, to grow soccer yet further in Canada. More people tuned in to watch Les Rouges play Morocco than watched the opening game of the NHL season last year, so the demand is obviously there.

Now, those in charge of the game in Canada must capitalize on the goodwill and support that has grown in the last two months thanks to the World Cup. Hockey might always be most people’s go-to sport here, but the sky is the limit for soccer.

The post What The World Cup Could Do For Canadian Soccer appeared first on Muskoka411.

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The 2026 event will once again feature:

● A celebrity hockey game starring current and former NHL players and up and
comers.
● Youth ball hockey experiences where youth fundraise to participate. Top
youth fundraisers will be given an opportunity to participate in an element of
the celebrity hockey game alongside NHL players, hockey elite and alumni.
● Opportunities for adults to fundraise to play on or coach one of the teams.
● Special upgraded VIP experiences and sponsor activations.
● Fundraising in support of important local charitable causes.
Businesses, and individuals are encouraged to become sponsors, register to
fundraise to play or coach, play in the youth ball hockey experience and /or
purchase tickets. Every contribution helps strengthen healthcare, youth
programming, support for families with sick children and community services
throughout Muskoka.

Tickets go on sale on July 13, 2026, at 8 am. We look forward to creating
memories that extend well beyond the final buzzer.

Registration, sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and donation information are now
available through the official Hockey Night in Muskoka website:
https://hockeynightinmuskoka.akaraisin.com/ui/hnim2026

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