Pickleball: Locals fare well

October 7, 2013, the-dispatch.com.

High Point, NC

The "Triad's 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament" held in High Point Oct. 3–5 was well represented by local talent. Nearly 100 players from Pennsylvania to Florida filled the courts.

Local participants from the area include Mary Helen Atkins, Phil Giallombardo, Joanne Hessey, Jim Kelley, Jodie Merrill, Charlie Ryan and Bynum Tuttle. The group from The Springs have been playing approximately two years.

Mary Helen Atkins and John Bullins (Mocksville) finished first in the 40-59 Mixed Doubles, Joanne Hessey and Phil Giallombardo finished second in the 60-69 Mixed Doubles, Mary Helen Atkins and Jodie Merrill finished second in the 40-50 Women's Doubles, Joanne Hessey and June Boswell (High Point) finished third in the 60-69 Women's Doubles and Phil Giallombardo finished third in the 60-69 Men's Singles.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. It has been described as similar to playing ping pong while standing on the table. For more information on the game and for available courts go towww.usapa.org