Thursday, February 28, 2013

Pickleball craze hits Tamarac Community Center
www.sun-sentinel.com, February 28, 2013, Tamarac, FL

The demonstration was conducted by Ball and instructors Michelle Moore of Boynton Beach and Marty Charney of Tamarac. A brief history was followed up with a discussion on rules and basics of the game.

 "I live for pickleball," a laughing Charney said. "I've played tennis for 40 years, and this is so social and such a nice game. With a small court you have lots of teamwork and strategy."

Women play equally with the men. Canadians Dennis Hradil and his wife Anna call Tamarac their winter home and are big fans of pickleball.

 "We play in Canada all the time and at 65 I'm one of the younger players," Dennis Hradil said. "You can play this game into your eighties and I'm happy they're starting this here."

READ MORE.......
Palm Beach Gardens woman stays active, sharp on the pickleball court
www.palmbeachpost.com, February 27, 2013

Betty White has nothing on Sally Wilks.

As White is known for her spunk and boundless energy, Wilks could show her a thing or two.

While most 86-year-old women can be found up at their clubhouses playing bridge, you’ll more likely find Wilks running around on the pickleball court at the North Palm Beach Community Center. Haven’t heard of pickleball? Ask Wilks — she’ll tell you to Google it. -

READ MORE

New Format for Riverbend Tournament

Hi to all Pickleball Players

Below you will find the information flyer and the registration sheet for the 3RD Annual Riverbend Classic. This is a skill level tournament, but you will notice a new format that has just recently been approved by the USAPA which also involves age level with skill level.

Please get your entries in as soon as possible, as the draw sizes will be limited. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the 3RD Annual Riverbend Classic.

CLICK HERE for complete tournament information

CLICK HERE for Registration



Sunday, February 24, 2013


PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT REMINDER

Just a last reminder to all members and pickleball players that there is less than a week left to get the early registration price for The National Senior Games National Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio this summer. The pickleball competition dates are Sunday, July 28-Thursday, August 1, with an open practice day on Saturday, July 27. Get on board for a fun filled week of pickleball, entertainment, and socialization with all your pickleball friends. The USAPA will have a booth courtside where you can get your membership up to date, buy some new fancy USAPA products, and talk with the USAPA President about concerns and interest in your association.
My wife Nancy and I attended the games in 2007 held in Louisville, Ky., and in 2011 held in Houston, Texas. We put on pickleball demonstrations for two weeks at each of these games and can tell you it was a great experience. We got to attend many of the events and really enjoyed ourselves. Hopefully you will join the 200+ of us who have already registered for this historic pickleball event. USAPA has worked hard over the past several years to get pickleball included in this national event. It will be a historic event for pickleball.
For information on places to stay and transportation go to: http://www.nsga.com/We have been informed that many of the pickleball players attending will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express in downtown Cleveland, which is only a couple of blocks from the convention center where pickleball will be played.
Also put on your calendar the dates of November 11–-17, 2013 for the USAPA National Tournament in Buckeye, AZ. There will be more to come on our website in the next couple of weeks.

See you in Cleveland.

David Jordan | President
USA Pickleball Association
1826 Lazy River Dr. | St. George, Utah 84790
Tel: 615.210.7092

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Hi to all Pickleball Players,

Attached you will find the information flyer and registration forms for the Charlotte County Senior Games that will be held on March 15, 16, and 17.

 The entry forms are due on March 4, 2013.

 Hope to see all of you there!

Charlotte County Flyer

Registration Form



Pickleball league spreading the sport
www2.highlandtoday.com - February 21, 2013, Avon Park, FL


Majick has worked to reintroduce the concept of crosstown rivalry that exists at the high school level by starting the South Central Florida Pickleball League.

The league has five teams: Highlands Ridge, Tanglewood, Riverbend (LaBelle), Lake Ashton (Lake Wales) and Del Webb (Haines City). Majick has purposely restricted the number of teams, as he knows how busy seniors are and wants to ensure that the teams are able to fulfill their playing commitments.

The league provides an avenue for players to move from the recreational to the competitive level by allowing stronger players to compete. Majick feels this has enabled all involved to improve their skills.

READ MORE

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Little-known sport pickleball catching on in Delray

www.sun-sentinal.com, February 20, 2013. Delray Beach, FL

"We are finding that snowbirds from New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and guests from Durango, Colorado and Taos, New Mexico, are familiar with it," said Harriet Kalin, 74, who tore a knee ligament playing competitive tennis, and now enjoys pickleball. "It's physical. It's social and it's competitive."

The Kalins said they play on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Delray Beach Community Center, 50 NW 1st Avenue, Delray Beach. The times are from 9 a.m. to noon.

About 20 players gather twice a week, said Josh Kalin, 76, who is registered with the USA Pickleball Association as an "ambassador" for the game. There are more than 300 such ambassadors across the United States.

READ MORE....

N. GA Pickleball welcomes new members


Sharon and John Dickson of Buford, GA just returned after a month of pickleball in The Villages, Florida.  They are the newest members of the North Georgia Pickleball Club  ( standing next to the Club sign)

Even the 35 degree morning weather with gusting winds could not keep them or  club members Ken Riordon and Tom Earley, top photo  (Tom is back on the courts after after knee replacement surgery just 5 weeks ago!) .

Also pictured is Buzz Ahrens and his son Jason.  

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Pickleball Growing in Popularity
www2.highlandstoday.com,  Sebring, FL

How did pickleball come to these parts?  Charles Kuehn, who bought a house in Tanglewood in 2005, went back to Virginia in the summer of 2006 and was invited to try a game of indoor pickleball.  He tried it, liked it, researched it and returned to Tanglewwood with a fire burning in his belly.  He was determined to get the game started in his own community. 

Not sure how to go about it, he talked to some of the movers and shakers who led him to the park's owner, John Greytak.  After a few meetings with Greytak, Kuehn bought $600 worth of equipment, got permission to set up two temporary courts on the outdoor dance floor and within a month of being back in Tangledwood was "selling" the game to everyone he met by carrying his wooden paddle and whiffle ball with him.

READ MORE

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Atlantic South Regional Tournament

The  first annual Atlantic South Regional Tournament took place on February 1-3, 2013  at the  East Naples Community Park in beautiful Naples, FL

The festivities began on Thursday evening January 31st, when over 170 players arrived at the tournament's Host Hotel, the Quality Inn and Suites Golf Resort in Naples FL.   Tournament Directors Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman addressed the group and then introduced Donna Donald, Atlantic South Regional Director, Greg Gott of Pickleball, Inc, The Gold Sponsor for the tournament and Tom Burkhart, Mid South Regional Director.  Everyone purchased their raffle tickets for a Portable Net System, 2 Pickleball Paddles and a 2 Night Bed and Breakfast to be given away during the tournament.  After an excellent buffet dinner more than 50 door prizes were given away.  The highlight of the evening  was the award presentation.  Donna Donald presented the 2012 USAPA Atlantic South Region Pioneer Award to Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman for their outstanding contributions to the growth and promotion of the pickleball across the state of Florida and beyond.
 ( CLICK HERE for award presentation)



The  tournamant began on Friday morning Feb 1st at the East N aples Community Park.  Sixteen lighted courts were filled with some thrilling competition for three days. Tournament directors, Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman spent months in preparation for this significant milestone for our Region, and they should be commended for giving us an absolutely outstanding tournament. Special thanks to all of our  Sponsors, Supporters and Volunteers  that made this event possible.

Nearly 250 players from 21 States across the country took to the courts for a double elimination competition in doubles, mixed doubles and singles play. We were recently notified by the USAPA that our tournament qualified for Tier 3, so points will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners based on Tier 3 instead of Tier 4. The tournament was open to players 16 and older. Regional Directors and local ambassadors from across the country came with their players to represent their locations. We also welcomed the two-time National Pickleball Champion, Jennifer Lucore from California. She partnered with National Champion Phil Bagley from Florida in the mixed doubles making the 19 and over competition exceptionally exciting.


Remember those raffle tickets we sold at the Social???    Winners were drawn during the first two days of the tournament........And here are your winners:

Top Left:
 Donal Clark with the Core 2 Paddle donated by S-Type Sports,

Top Right:
Cathy Noble, with husband Daryl.  Cathy won the USAPA Portable Net System.

Bottom Left:
Kandy Acker, with Mark Stemmerman.  Kandy won the two night bed and breakfast at the Avera-Clark House in Monticello, FL, donated by Ann Early of Canton, GA

Bottom Right:
Byron Freso with the Magnum Graphite Stealth Paddle dontated by PRO - LITE SPORTS



Here are some additional links that you need to check out!!

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

TOURNAMENT STATS

SPONSORS,  FRIENDS OF PICKLEBALL, DONATIONS, VOLUNTEERS

TOURNAMENT VIDEO - FOX 4 NEWS- NAPLES

TOURNAMENT PHOTO GALLERY

2012 USAPA PIONEER AWARD PRESENTATION






Monday, February 11, 2013

1st Annual Daytona Beach Tournament

Submitted by:
Cathy Stansbury, Ambassador for Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona Beach had their first annual tournament Feb. 8 and 9 at Pelican Bay.

Players  christened the four new pickleball courts which had just been completed two weeks before the tournament. It was just a year ago that Pelican Bay took the first step to incorporate pickleball into their tennis club by lining 6 tennis courts that were not being used. The tennis players were using clay courts. The bug hit so hard they just had to get real pickle ball courts. Through the generosity of one donor, one tennis court was converted into two pickleball courts. This got the juices flowing, and enough other contributors came forward for two more pickleball courts. The Pelican Bay players' ultimate goal is to have a total of 8 courts.


The two day tournament brought players from The Villages, Winter Garden, Deland and Daytona Beach. Spectators came from North Carolina, Georgia, Minnesota, Arkansas, and Ohio and joined the participants for the very tasty Barbequed Pork Butt and homemade sides and desserts and for open play after the tournament.

The best part about the tournament, other than the weather, was the participants. Pickleball players must be the most friendly and congenial group of athletes. I wonder if it doesn’t have something to do with the age. All look forward to coming back next year.



Cash prizes were awarded:
 Men’s Doubles:
1st place, Terry James (Port Orange, FL) and Dave VanderWeide (Winter Garden, FL), 2nd place, Tom Southard and Don Gustavson (Daytona Beach).

Women’s Doubles: 
1st place, Debby Dempsey and Kathie Hammer (Daytona Beach), 2nd place, Rita Gundacker (Deland) and Paula Stevens (Longwood, FL) 

Men’s Round Robin: 
1st place Skip Smith (Merritt Island), 2nd place, Jerry Vaughn (Daytona Beach)

Women’s Round Robin: 
1st place, Cathy Stansbury (Daytona Beach), 2nd place, Lydia Banks (Daytona Beach) 

Mix Doubles: 
 1st place, Kandy Acker and Mark Stemerman (The Villages), 2nd place, Dave VanderWeide and Georgia Diddelkoen (Winter Gardens, FL)

Jacksonville, NC Seniors Pickleball Tournament

Third Annual City of Jacksonville, NC Pickleball Tournament
Submitted by Rick Laskey

The tournament was sponsored by the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department, Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission and took place at the Jacksonville, NC Recreation Complex on February 8th and 9th.

Players competed in doubles and mixed doubles competition under the direction of Jojo Cariacio, the Senior Citizen Program Supervisor. The double elimination event featured age brackets of 50+, 60+ and 70+, with each qualifying match of one game to 15 points. Medal matches were best 2 out of 3 games, with medals awarded for 1st , 2nd and 3rd place in each division.


There were a total of 97 players in the tournament. States represented were North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New York, and Maine.

Some more interesting statistics from ambassador, Rick Laskey.

  •  56 players were from North Carolina (including 17 who play at the Jacksonville NC Commons Recreation Center)
  • 16 players were from South Carolina 
  • 19 players were from Virginia
  •  2 players were from New York
  • 1 player was from Maine
  • 44 females 
  • 50 males 
  • oldest player was turning 90
  • youngest player was turning 50 
  • 21 players were USAPA members 
  • 13 players were USAPA ambassadors

 CLICK HERE for results. CLICK HERE for Photo Gallery compliments of Jacksonville player, Joan Taylor.

2012 USAPA Atlantic South Pioneer Award

ATLANTIC SOUTH REGION
2012 USAPA PIONEER AWARD
NANCY MEYER AND CINDY EDDLEMAN 

The Pioneer Award was introduced by USAPA to recognize exceptional performance over a period of time on the part of our ambassadors. What a better time and place to introduce our 2012 Atlantic South Region recipient than our very first Regional Pickleball event.

We are recognizing the outstanding and tireless dedication, commitment and personal leadership of two individuals who support and promote our great game of pickleball to people of all ages, not only in their own area but across the state and beyond. 

Both of these ladies were former tennis players, coaching for about 30 years.  Cindy was instrumental in developing a "Tennis for Tots" program for children 4-10 in the Coral Springs, FL community.  

Nancy played competitive tennis in high school and college and played in tournaments during her post college years.  She began, at the age of 17, working with the Toledo Recreation Department to introduce tennis to the community.  With the help of Pepsi Cola sponsorship, she directed many start-up tennis programs and  tennis tournaments in the Toledo area.  Nancy also taught clinics and private tennis lessons throughout her career.

We are so glad they joined our pickleball family! They were introduced to pickleball in 2005, became USAPA members and ambassadors for N. Ft Myers, FL back in July of 2008. Since that time they have been absolutely unstoppable. They have expanded pickleball significantly in SW Florida with beginner and intermediate clinics at both private communities and public venues. 

A typical two month schedule for these two might look something like this: a clinic at the Riverside RV Resort in Arcadia, a couple of clinics at Herons Glen in N. Ft. Myers, then to the communities of Paseo and Heritage Palms in Ft. Myers. Then they move south for a clinic at the East Naples Community Park, a power point presentation, video and hands on introduction of pickleball at the Florida Recreation and Parks Association (FRPA) meeting and finally a visit with the City of Ft. Myers officials, which results in the opening of the downtown Skatorium to pickleball. 

Bill Years, a winter resident at Herons Glen has this to say: “they have run three beginner sessions already and are in the process of scheduling an intermediate and two more beginner sessions. They are both fabulous and most helpful. With the help of Nancy and Cindy we have graduated to running three courts of round robins on Tuesdays and then having three "clinic" type courts as well, using all six of our tennis courts. New people continue to come each week”. 
Bill is now ambassador at large for USAPA. 

Pickleball tournaments were slim to none three years ago in Florida, and even the pickleball turnout at the Florida Senior Games was meager. Today it is not unusual to see well over 100 players at the Lee County, Collier County and Charlotte County games where they now serve as tournament organizers and directors. When, because of budget constraints, Collier County decided to cancel their Senior Games, these two changed the cancelled event into a USAPA Sanctioned Tier four tournament open to players 16 and older. So impressed with the exposure, the East Naples Park has painted pickleball lines on allmost all  of their tennis courts giving us 16 courts for our very first Regional Tournament.


These two ladies also introduced USAPA Sanctioned Skill Level tournaments to our Region, the first one held at the Riverbend RV Resort in Labelle, Fl in December of 2011.  The second one at that location just completed in December of 2012 and the third is already being planned. In February they were the tournament directors for the Skill Level event in Sebring, FL and two more will take place this year, one in Naples and one at the Skatorium in Ft. Myers. 

Word of their organizational abilities has reached beyond Florida. They were tournament directors for the Battle of Franklin in Franklin, TN and most recently have been contacted to organize a State Invitational Tournament in Aiken, SC.

They also introduced pickleball to Corporate America. In December of 2011.  They introduced pickleball to the IT Department of Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy as part of the Employee Team Building Program. The following is from Becky Foerster the Wellness Coordinator at Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy. 

 “Your two day clinic was so well received. You brought your passion for life, health, fitness, and team spirit. Everyone left knowing one another a bit more than when they started. The round robin tournament was the perfect way for co-workers to interact and compete. Some employees who would have otherwise kept to themselves, got on the court, and showed their competitive edge. Others who lead, found themselves on the same playing field learning something new. Either way, individuals found ways to work together. Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy is embracing a culture of wellness and life balance. Pickleball brings a little balance to the workday. Thank you!" 

Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman, were both presented with a Pioneer Award Placque, and will receive a  3-year free USAPA Membership renewal, with our thanks and appreciation, as the recipients of the 2012 Atlantic South Region Pioneer Award.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Dayton Beach Senior's Pickleball Tournament

Submitted by Cathy Stansbury
Ambassador, Daytona Beach, Fl 

Daytona Beach had their first annual tournament Feb. 8 and 9 at Pelican Bay.

They christened their four new pickleball courts which had just been completed two weeks before the tournament. It was just a year ago that Pelican Bay took the first step to incorporate pickleball into their tennis club by lining 6 tennis courts that were not being used. The tennis players were using clay courts. The bug hit so hard they just had to get real pickle ball courts. Through the generosity of one donor, one tennis court was converted into two pickleball courts. This got the juices flowing, and enough other contributors came forward for two more pickleball courts. Their ultimate goal is to have a total of 8 courts.


The two day tournament brought players from The Villages, Winter Garden, Deland and Daytona Beach. Spectators came from North Carolina, Georgia, Minnesota, Arkansas, and Ohio who joined the participants for the very tasty Barbecued Pork Butt and homemade sides and desserts,  and for open play after the tournament.

The best part about the tournament, other than the weather, was the participants. Pickleball players must be the most friendly and congenial group of athletes. I wonder if it doesn’t have something to do with the age. All look forward to coming back next year.



Cash prizes were awarded:
Men’s Doubles:
1st place, Terry James (Port Orange, FL) and Dave VanderWeide (Winter Garden, FL),
2nd place, Tom Southard and Don Gustavson (Daytona Beach).

Women’s Doubles:
1st place, Debby Dempsey and Kathie Hammer (Daytona Beach),
2nd place, Rita Gundacker (Deland) and Paula Stevens (Longwood, FL)

Men’s Round Robin:
1st place Skip Smith (Merritt Island),
2nd place, Jerry Vaughn (Daytona Beach)

Women’s Round Robin:
1st place, Cathy Stansbury (Daytona Beach),
2nd place, Lydia Banks (Daytona Beach)

Mix Doubles:
1st place, Kandy Acker and Mark Stemerman (The Villages),
2nd place, Dave VanderWeide and Georgia Diddelkoen (Winter Gardens, FL)

Saturday, February 9, 2013

2nd Annual Pickleball Expo - Harbor Lakes RV Resort

Each year the ELS (Equity Life Styles) RV communities in South/Central Florida provide an Expo for all members/residents.  This includes a variety of activities, and in 2012, Pickleball was added to the host of events. This is the second year that the Harbor Lakes RV Resort in Port Charlotte has been the host, this year for the Ft. Myers Expo.

On Wednesday, February 6th, 2013 pickleball player from the Peace River RV Resort in Wauchula, FL and the Pioneer Village RV Resort in North Ft. Myers, joined those in Harbor Lakes.  The park has one pickleball court, but set up two additional courts on the adjacent tennis courts.  Below the players take to the court for some competitive play...

Players and spectators alike enjoyed the absolutely beautiful Florida weather that day.  And food and refreshments were provided to players and guests for $5 allowing a break from the sunshine..

And below are pictures of all the competitors along with the winners.  Harbor Lakes may have been the host resort for the day , but the entourage of players in their blue t-shirts from Peace River was the largest and they went home the biggest winners of the day.   For the ladies, First and Third place went to Peace River, and Second place to the ladies of Harbor Lakes!

And the men.... all from Peace River.


A very special thank you to Harbor Lakes Manager, Kim Harper  and all the volunteers under the leadership of resident Marty Krinhofer for providing an excellent day of great food, great fun and great pickleball!. 

Congratulations to the winners!  
Men's Doubles
1st - Dean Loveland and Richard Pagliaro - Peace River
2nd - Nathan Showalter and Lance Minney - Peace River
3rd - John Foard and Buddy Douglas - Peace River

Ladies' Doubles
1st  - Carla Foard and Dee Pagliaro - Peace River
2nd - Jeanne Pineault and Ginette Salvas - Harbor Lakes
3rd - Donna Behrle and Marie Richards - Peace River

The ELS Sarasota Expo will take place in March and pickleball will be held at the Bay Indies Community in Venice Florida on March 6th.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Pickleball Tournament in Atlanta, GA -Register NOW

My name is Shanna Levy and I am the Mature Adult Program Director at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

We are hosting a Doubles Pickle Ball Tournament at the MJCCA on March 3rd and would like to invite other PICKLEBALL lovers to play.

We have a group of approx. 40 players who play 3-4times per week and are really looking forward to hosting competitors from other clubs around the area. We hope you will join us for this great day. You can register on our website atlantajcc.org or I would be happy to send you paper registration forms.

Looking forward to playing with you soon!

Shanna Levy
Mature Adult Program Director
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
678-812-4079
shanna.levy@atlantajcc.org

Thursday, February 7, 2013

South Florida - Demo/Clinic

DEMO CLINIC TAMARAC, FL

TAMARAC COMMUNITY CENTER

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Tamarac Community Center
8601 W. Commerce Blvd
Tamarac, FL  33351


South Florida now offers open play pickleball M-F from 6PM - 8PM at:

 Joseph C Carter Park
1000 W Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL   

More information available at SOUTH FLORIDA PICKLEBALL

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

REGISTRATION REMINDER

Good Life Games

 Registration Reminder 

 It's time to register for the 2013 Good Life Games 
The events are scheduled from March 7th through April 10th with special events February 6th - February 21st and March 14th 

Pickleball is scheduled for March 19 and 20, 2013 in Seminole. 

Go to http://www.GoodLifeGames.org for detailed information and to download registration forms.

Exhibition and Learn To Play in Wake Forest, NC


WHAT IS PICKLEBALL? FIND OUT 
Pickleball Exhibition Match 
Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 9:00-11 a.m. 
YMCA at The Factory Gym 
1839 S. Main Street, Suite 250

Never heard of pickleball? Here is your chance to learn something new. A fan of pickleball? Come play!

Join us at YMCA at The Factory for an exhibition match sponsored by Pickleball Wake Forest.

No prior experience needed and guests are invited to play or observe.
All ages welcome. You do not have to been a member of the Y to attend.

www.YMCATriangle.org


PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT COMES TO NAPLES
(Feb 3, 2013 Naples, FL, www.fox4now.com)

FOX 4 NEWS IN NAPLES, FL HAD A GREAT SEGMENT ON THE 10:00 O'CLOCK NEWS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 3RD AFTER THE ATLANTIC SOUTH REGIONAL TOURNAMENT.


CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

2nd ANNUAL PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT, ENGLEWOOD, FL

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation presents 
2nd Annual 
 Pickleball Tournament 
Friday, March 29 
Englewood Sports Complex 
1300 S. River Road 
Englewood, FL
 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

 * Divisions: Men’s, Women’s & Mixed Doubles (players may only play in one division) 
 * Double-elimination * USAPA Rules 
* Refreshments & Awards * $5/player 

 Register at any pickleball site: Englewood Sports Complex, Woodmere Park, Longwood Park, Colonial Oaks Park or Laurel Park , or mail in your registration form.

 Call 861-5000 for additional information.

CLICK HERE FOR FLYER and REGISTRATION,WAIVER FORM






Monday, February 4, 2013

Pickleball has nothing to do with cucumbers, everything to do with fun
www.al,com - February 4, 2013, FAIRHOPE, Alabama --

The Fairhope Recreation Center will hold a pickleball demonstration and clinic at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Don't get the wrong idea: They won't be hitting dills across a net, shooting gherkins through a basket or throwing the ol' bread-and-butter around.

Virginia Corker of Mobile will lead the demonstration. She's an ambassador with the USA Pickleball Association. She and her husband, Jerry Corker, teach a pickleball course at Spring Hill College.

"It's great for competitive people - that's the fast-paced part of it," Corker said. "But for the recreational people, it's great fun, it's great for your health and it's a great way to meet new people."

The court for the clinic will be set up in the basketball gym at the Fairhope Recreation Center. For more information on the demonstration, call 251-928-7270.

READ MORE

Deadline Extended for Skatium Skill Level Tournament in Ft. Myers. FL

Hi Pickleball Players,

The deadline for the Skatium Classic Tournament has been extended to Saturday, Feb. 9. 

This is an exciting new tournament that is going to be held at the Skatium in downtown Fort Myers. This will be an indoor tournament and the JUGS indoor ball will be used.

For those of you who have never participated in a tournament, this is a great one for you! The skill levels will range from 2.5 to 5.0. You will only play players that have your similar skill level. If you are not sure of your skill level you can go to USAPA.org and look under the section that describes what the skill levels are. Most beginners would probably rate themselves as 2.5 or 3.0. Most intermediates would be 3.5 or 4.0, and most advanced players would be 4.5 or 5.0.

CLICK HERE for the tournament flyer

CLICK HERE for the registration sheet.

We hope to see you there!!



Pickleball - Wilmington, NC



Mike Spencer, photographer for the Star News in Wilmington NC, stopped by the First Baptist Church Activity Center last Monday, January 28. The Activity Center has six indoor pickleball courts and open pickleball every Monday evening from 6-8pm. One of the his pictures appeared with a caption in the Area Calendar section of the paper on Tuesday, January 29.

CLICK HERE  to see all the pictures in the photo gallery at starnewsonline.com.

Photo Galleries »
Pickleball Tournament at East Naples Community Park
www.naplesnews.com, February 4, 2013

This picture and 13 more great photos from the Atlantic South Regional Tournament can be found by clicking on the title of this article.  These are great photos for viewing and purchasing.  Check it out - they are only available until February 8th

Scott McIntyre/Staff Scenes from the Atlantic South Regional Pickleball Tournament at East Naples Community Park on Sunday Feb. 03, 2013. Players from all across the region and country came to take part in the tournament that lasted all weekend.
Editorial: Pickleball joins lineup
Posted February 4, 2013 at 4 a.m.
www.naplesnews.com - Naples, FL

Pickleball tournament

When we think of sports being good for tourism, coming to mind first are baseball, softball and golf tournaments hosted locally.
They bring in lots of players and fans who stay at local hotels, and eat and shop here.
But there is more. Pickleball.

This past weekend the East Naples Community Park hosted the Atlantic South Regional Pickleball Tournament, with 250 players — two-thirds of them coming from states such as Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Tennessee, Michigan, Utah, Colorado, California,Texas, Louisiana and Alabama.

 New Orleans had the Super Bowl. Big deal.







It's the YMCA's Favorite New Sport - Pickleball 
peachtreecorners.patch.com, February 1, 2013, Peachtree Corners, GA

The fast-growing sport of Pickleball is gaining momentum in popularity at Fowler YMCA in Peachtree Corners by players of all ages.

The Pickleball scene at the Y is both lively and social. The players take their fair turns on the court and enjoy cheering one another on while waiting to play.

Here’s what a few Pickleball enthusiasts said about the game:
* “What I like about it is that you can take it to any level you want - you can play for fun, or you can play a fast-paced, competitive game" said Craig Lovingood.
*“Pickleball is the most fun, addictive game you can play” said Pam Griffin.
*“Pickleball is a lots of FUN and it doesn’t feel like you are exercising and it’s fun for all ages” said Gloria Teague-Triplett.
Local sports roundup: Palm Bay's 100-inning game to pickleball
FloridaToday.com, January 31, 2013, Palm Bay, FL

Pickleball 
Brevard County Parks and Recreation is offering Pickleball on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ted Whitlock Community Center inside the Palm Bay Regional Park.

Pickleball is a game that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. The game is easy for beginners to learn but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. Players use wooden paddles and a plastic ball on a court that is smaller than a tennis court.

Paddles and balls are provided. The cost is $2 per person. For more information, call the Ted Whitlock Community Center at 321-952-3231.