Wilson Family YMCA Hosts 2nd Annual Drive, Drop & Dink! Pickleball Tournament March 17th

Staff Report From Augusta CEO

Tuesday, March 13th, 2018

The Wilson Family YMCA will host the 2nd Annual DRIVE, DROP & DINK! Pickleball Tournament, SATURDAY, MARCH 17, Wilson Family YMCA, 3570 Wheeler Road, Augusta, Georgia 30909.   The tournament will feature 64 players from Augusta and the surrounding region.  All proceeds benefit the 2018 YMCA Annual Campaign, providing scholarships for those who cannot afford Y services.  No one is ever turned away from the Y for their inability to pay.
 
Pickleball is a court sport played on a badminton-sized court with the net set to a height of 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic ball similar to a whiffle ball and composite or wooden paddles about twice the size of ping-pong paddles. It can be played indoors or outdoors and is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. In addition, the game has developed a passionate following due to its friendly, social nature, and its multigenerational appeal.
 
Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles. New players can learn the basic rules quickly in a single session. No special apparel is needed – just something comfortable and appropriate for a court sport. Equipment is inexpensive and easily portable. The game can be played by all ages and is particularly popular in school P.E. programs and in adult living communities.  Most recently pickleball has been added to the college curriculum at Augusta University!

Sports & Fitness Industry Association 2017 Pickleball Participant Report, they reported pickleball currently has 2.815 million players in the U.S., an increase of 12.3 % over last year.
 
Pickleball is sometimes known as the “friendliest sport on earth.”  It's a very social sport and brings people together of all ages and athletic ability because it’s easy to learn and can be enjoyed recreationally or competitively.  It also offers huge wellness benefits while doing a fun activity and getting fit at the same time!

“Since we started offering pickleball at the Y in 2015, it has taken off like wildfire!” says Anne Rheins, the YMCA’s Active Older Adults and Pickleball Coordinator/USA Pickleball Association Ambassador. 

“Pickleball brings people together who have nothing else in common, resulting in many wonderful, unlikely friendships. Many have reported that pickleball has been a life saver. There is no place for loneliness once you are hooked on pickleball!  Individuals from all walks of life have found a new place of belonging.  These include stay-at-home moms (and dads), newly retired, recently widowed and ex-tennis players. These are just some of the people who have found that pickleball has given their life new meaning and purpose.  Of course, the huge fitness benefits are the icing on the cake!”

TOURNAMENT FORMAT:

Round Robin, Rotating Partners, Timed Games
Four skill levels: 2.5 & below, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 & up
49 & under begin at 8:30. 50 & up begin at 12:00.
 
OPEN PLAY & SOCIAL RECEPTION:
For all registered participants
Friday, March 16, 6-9 PM