Sara Weiss is not just a pro Pickleball player, she's a dear friend whom I've known since she began her journey of transitioning a decade ago. Her spirit and motivation have been endless sources of inspiration, showcasing her strength and dedication to those around her. Despite her undeniable talent and the support from the American Pickleball institutions, the Canadian National Pickleball League continues to deny her the opportunity to compete as a female due to her transgender identity.

Sara, like many transgender athletes, has undergone significant changes through hormone therapy, which has altered her muscle mass and strength to align more closely with those of cisgender women. Numerous studies, including research from the International Olympic Committee, highlight how hormone therapy lowers testosterone levels, resulting in physical transformations that negate unfair advantages. It is crucial to understand these changes and adapt policies to reflect current scientific understanding and promote fairness in sports.

The decision to exclude her from competing alongside her female peers not only contradicts the inclusive values that Canada is known for, but it neglects the importance of empathy, fairness, and equality. If a country with a challenging track record on trans rights like the United States recognizes her right to play as a woman, it is baffling that Canada fails to extend the same courtesy.

Fairness in sport must be guided by current evidence, not outdated assumptions.

Every athlete deserves the chance to compete fairly — inclusion and fairness go hand-in-hand.

Transgender women belong in women’s sports, supported by both science and community values.

Sports thrive when they reflect fairness, dignity, and the right of all athletes to play.

This petition is a call for the Canadian National Pickleball League to reconsider their stance, reflect on current medical and scientific research, and allow Sara Weis the fair chance to compete as her true self. Let's uphold the values of inclusivity and representation that we hold dear. Sign this petition to stand with Sara and countless other transgender individuals who seek only what is just and fair—a level playing field. Your signature can make a profound difference.