“Battle of the Paddle” Pickleball Tournament This Weekend

Jasper– Pickleball players from over twenty-one Indiana communities will converge at Bohnert Park in Jasper this weekend as DC Multisport hosts the 3rd Annual “Battle of the Paddle” Pickleball Tournament. 

Men’s and Women’s doubles will be held on Saturday, September 23rd beginning at 9AM. Mixed Doubles competition will be held Sunday, September 24 beginning at 1PM. The public is welcome to watch the teams compete for medals in the non-sanctioned tournament. Admission is free and spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

USA Pickleball reports that there are over 35 million players in the nation and is the fastest growing sport in America. Jim McFaul, tournament director mentions, “Although many people think it is a sport for older players, specifically senior citizens,  pickleball is  fast becoming a game for younger players. Nationwide the largest segment of players are in the 18 to 34 year old age segment. That’s nearly 28% of the current players.” This weekend’s play will have 33 teams with divisions for players 49 and younger and another for 50 years and older. "Our tourney will have players in the age range of 21 to 77 years old,” McFaul states.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the Tri-County YMCA.