About TGPA
Our Mission
The Toronto Gay Pickleball Association (TGPA) is a volunteer run not-for-profit pickleball association for gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer individuals, as well as their allies.
Our mission is to create a safe space for Picklers who are interested in playing pickleball in an environment free from harassment or discrimination that encourages fair play, openness and friendship for enthusiasts of all skill-levels.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a community that promotes diversity, inclusivity and a safe space to have fun and socialize while introducing more individuals to the fastest growing sport in North America.
Meet the Team
The Toronto Gay Pickleball Association is a volunteer run, not-for-profit association. Our executive team consists of the founding members of the association who had a dream to build one of the largest 2SLGBTQI+ pickleball communities. Our role is to coordinate, manage and run the day-to-day activities of the association and social events.
Albert B.
President
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Meet Albert, our inaugural president who has a passion for 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion and a love for pickleball. Albert has a vision of turning the Toronto Gay Pickleball Association into one of North America’s largest gay pickleball clubs.
When he’s not smashing pickleballs, he’s tirelessly working to gain sponsorships and develop community partnerships to create a thriving and inclusive pickleball association that’s diverse and vibrant. He’s looking forward to seeing everyone on the courts – where fun, laughter and lobs are always in play!
Ryan W.
Vice President
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Introducing Ryan W., a leader both on and off the pickleball court. By day, he’s a compassionate professional with a history working with youth, adults and families in various clinical capacities; currently, he supports the un-housed population alongside multi-disciplinary teams. When he’s not making a difference in people’s lives, you can find him making his mark on the pickleball court.
Ryan is committed to creating a welcoming community. With his leadership skills, he’s dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, included and free to be themselves. You can find him Monday and Thursday nights at Sprucecourt, if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns regarding the association.
Ryan M.
Secretary
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Meet Ryan M., yes, you read that right, a second Ryan. Ryan is our meticulous secretary and a pickleball newcomer.
While he may be new to the court, Ryan's eye for detail and memory makes him an ace at keeping our new association running like a well-oiled machine. With a notepad in one hand and a paddle in the other, his enthusiasm and commitment to help grow this association makes him a huge asset to our team.
Michael L
Board Member
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Michael is a pickleball newcomer, but has stepped up to the plate to help slowly but surely improve the communication and content that gets outputted by the association. Having been a marketer for 10 years, he's well versed at figuring out what it takes to make sure everyone is on the same page.
When he's off the courts, you can find him socializing with friends, side hustling with dogsitting, or baking a pie (yes, he made the ones in the picture himself!). Fun fact: Michael can whip up pie dough in 10 mins or less.