It was a Niagara-on-the-Lake sports event for the history books — another notch in our town’s belt after last year’s Canada Games.

The NOTL Pickleball Club held the first-ever NOTL Pickleball Classic tournament on the weekend, attracting more than 300 players, about 150 of whom were from out of town — and even some international talent.

The growing sport and the professional presentation attracted hundreds of spectators.

A congratulation is in order for everyone who helped put it together.

From the opening reception at NOTL! Bar and Lounge at 124 on Queen, to the actual exhibition matches, to a community dinner and dance party, this was a masterfully planned event and everyone involved should be proud to have been a part of it.

It was all exceptionally organized, well promoted and impossible not to notice the hard work done by more than 100 volunteers (and we’re told that number is not an exaggeration).

While we can’t name all of those people in one editorial, there are a few people who deserve special mention, including tournament co-chairs John Hindle and Ian Lagden, operations co-ordinator Vince Serratore, sponsor liaison Joy Sanguedolce, social events co-ordinator Maggie Babcock and facilities and supplies co-ordinator Bob Denton.

And Steve Ferley, who dedicated hours of time to ensuring the public would find out about the events in this newspaper.

And of course, the players – who gave us a great show over the weekend.

Congratulations to all. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year.