2011 Meijer State Games of Michigan To Include Pickleball

To: Pickleball Ambassadors, Programmers, and Enthusiasts

From: Dick Manasseri, USA Pickleball Association

The Meijer State Games of Michigan have decided to add Pickleball to the 2011 Games scheduled for June 24-26, 2011 in Grand Rapids. The inclusion of Pickleball is a real plus as we work together to "mainstream" Pickleball-4-All.

You can learn about the 2010 State Games at http://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/  Meijer is the title sponsor. Blue Cross and Subway are also providing funding to sustain the games for the next several years.

USAPA Ambassador Dick Draigh is our Pickleball Commissioner for the State Games and he is being ably assisted by USAPA Ambassadors John and Jean Schowalter. Watch for emails from them to marhsall your ideas and collaboration. In particular, we are interested in the your input on how best to capture the enthusiasm of our younger players and encourage them to sharpen their skills and prepare to compete in the State Games.

Jim and Yvonne Hackenberg have been appointed as USAPA Ambassadors-at-Large. They are interested in helping players across the state to improve both their skill levels and their enjoyment of the game. They are open to provide skills clinics and to work on statewide projects like helping us introduce USAPA ratings and rated touraments.

This Memorial Day, let us be reminded of the freedom we have to live in peace and even recreate thanks to the sacrifices of our heroic military personnel.

-Dick

August 2010 Rochester Pickleball Club Tournament & Festival

"August 2009 ended with a great tournament outdoors in downtown Rochester. This year, there will be a Rochester Pickleball Tournament and Festival held at the Rochester High School Tennis Courts at Livernois and University in Rochester Hills. We again will have five days of competitive and non-competitive events. We have added Skill Level events on Sunday and will have two divisions of Mixed Generation -- competitive and recreational.

"CLICK HERE to see the flyer and sign up for this end of summer event. We are hoping to attract many junior players to demonstrate just how multi-generational this sport is.

Regards,

Marilyn Holladay

SAVE THE DATE! KaZoo FALL Doubles Tourney!

Kalamazoo Fall Doubles Tournament

Thursday, September 16 and Friday, September 17

Portage, MI YMCA

USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4) :: $5 USAPA Member Discount

http://www.where2pickle.org/doublesTournament09-2010.php

OUTDOOR Pickleball-4-ALL! Minges Farm Tennis Courts, Battle Creek!

OUTDOOR Pickleball-4-ALL!

Minges Farm Tennis Courts

Battle Creek

Tuesdays at 6:30pm

Opening day welcome message from USAPA Ambassador Clark Maddoxx:

"The courts have been laid out and the lines painted thanks to a great group of volunteers May 22 &23. If you haven't played before- it's easy to learn and fun to play- we'll teach you. The lines are painted in bright pink and colorful orange (hard to miss). In case you didn't know, Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S."

• Wear court shoes
• Bring a chair and water
• Location: Minges Farm Tennis Courts. Go west off Capital Ave SW on West Minges, then left on S. Minges, then right on Pheasant Run. The entry to the tennis courts is a concrete path between 116 & 118 Pheasant Run in the 2nd block.

If you have questions or want more informations, please contact: Clark Maddox at clarktmaddox@aol.com

International Pickleball Week

International Pickleball Week

"June 1st through the 7th has been designated International Pickleball Week. It is a time to celebrate the fun and enjoyment so many people worldwide get from playing the sport with the funny name."

CLICK HERE for a taste of what is going on worldwide!

KaZoo Pickleball Doubles Tournament Results

KALAMAZOO MAY 2010

PICKLEBALL DOUBLES TOURNAMENT

 

RESULTS: http://pbmatch.com/tp201005.php

115 Participants :: 91 Players :: 81 Crazy Doubles Players

41 Volunteers :: 31 Referees :: 112 Teams :: 202 Matches

65 USA Pickleball Association Members

States/Provinces

7 :: AZ :: IL :: IN :: MI :: OH :: ON :: SD

Cities

51 :: Sun City West (AZ) :: MacHesney Park (IL) :: Brookville (IN) :: Ft Wayne (IN) :: Michigan City (IN) :: Ada (MI) :: Battle Creek (MI) :: Bloomfield (MI) :: Brighton (MI) :: Centreville (MI) :: Clarkston (MI) :: Concord (MI) :: Delton (MI) :: Farmington Hills (MI) :: Fenton (MI) :: Freeland (MI) :: Grand Rapids (MI) :: Grandville (MI) :: Hartland (MI) :: Highland (MI) :: Howell (MI) :: Huntington Woods (MI) :: Interlochen (MI) :: Kalamazoo (MI) :: Lake Angelus (MI) :: Lawrence (MI) :: Mattawan (MI) :: Mendon (MI) :: Milford (MI) :: Niles (MI) :: North Muskegon (MI) :: Northville (MI) :: Portage (MI) :: Rochester Hills (MI) :: Rothbury (MI) :: Scotts (MI) :: South Haven (MI) :: South Lyon (MI) :: Stanwood (MI) :: Three Rivers (MI) :: Traverse City (MI) :: Vicksburg (MI) :: Waterford (MI) :: West Bloomfield (MI) :: Sylvania (OH) :: Toledo (OH) :: Yellow Springs (OH) :: LaSalle (ON) :: Tecumseh (ON) :: Windsor (ON) :: Sioux Falls (SD)

Graham Couch column: Pickleball can humble even the greatest natural athlete | - MLive.com

Graham Couch column: Pickleball can humble even the greatest natural athlete - MLive.com:

"PORTAGE — I had several strong preconceptions about pickleball before arriving at the Portage YMCA Wednesday morning for my active introduction to the sport.

Foremost and without question, I would dominate.

If the city of Portage was claiming to be “Center of the World for Pickleball” this week, as deemed by Mayor Peter Strazdas, then it was a good thing I was attending the media event advancing Friday’s nationally sanctioned Kalamazoo Doubles Pickleball Tournament.

I play tennis, I play Wiffle ball, I play ping pong — taking each way too seriously at one point or another."

Kalamazoo Gazette sportswriter Graham Couch tried his hand at pickleball Wednesday with moderate success. Couch's double's partner Larry Allgaier, of Kalamazoo, watches with doubt as Couch attempts a backhand volley.

Pickleball! Etched its place in Michigan History!

DETROIT HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Community Gallery supported by Comerica

Michigan Senior Olympics

The Detroit Historical Museum MSO exhibit opened May 8, 2010. The exhibit includes equipment and memorabilia from the fastest growing sport in Michigan - PICKLEBALL!

"The Michigan Senior Olympics (MSO) was founded in 1979 as a member of the National Senior Games Association. The MSO initially channeled their efforts into the annual Summer Olympic Games with the first games hosted by the City of Pontiac at the Pontiac Silverdome.

"Participation in the games has grown to over 1,200 athletes and is expected to reach 1,500 this year! This exhibit will explore the history of the MSO and highlight the inspirational stories of the individuals who take part in this treasured Michigan tradition.

 

Michigan Senior Olympic 2010 Summer Pickleball Games

• Location: OPC Gym, Rochester, MI
• Tournament Dates: July 15-July 21 2010
• Registration Deadline: June 1st
• National Recognition: USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 3) - USAPA Members have the opportunity to earn Tournament Points. http://usapa.org/memberships/index.php

Farm Fresh Michigan Pickleball Dink Demo

Farm Fresh Michigan Pickleball

Pickleball Dink Demo
Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market

Saturday, May 22, 2010
8:00am ~ 11:30am

Stop by the Pickleball mini-demonstration
and check out the Bountiful Harvest of Pickleball Activities! 

http://www.downtownrochestermi.com/events/farmers-market/

Rochester Pickleball Club Spring/Summer Events

Drop-in Games :: Youth Camps :: Leagues :: Tournament & Festival

http://usapa.org/file/mi/Rochester_Pickleball_Club_2010_Summer.pdf

Rochester Pickleball Club 2010 Tournament & Festival

USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4

Rochester High School Outdoor Courts

August 25 - 29, 2010 (Registration Deadline Aug18)

http://www.usapa.org/file/mi/RPC_2010_Tournament_and_Festival.pdf

Pickleball: Unique Tournament Coming to West Michigan - FOX 17

Pickleball: Unique Tournament Coming to West Michigan

Pickleball Tournament Coming to West Michigan

FOX 17 NEWS VIDEO REPORT

!!!Featuring Pickleball Player Clara Gamble!!!

KALAMAZOO - A unique tourament is making it's way to West Michigan again.

The Kalamazoo Doubles Pickleball Tournament is set to begin Thursday, May 20.

FOX 17 Text Alerts

"The tournament is scheduled for two days. More than 100 participants from 6 different states and one Canadien provience will be heading to the Portage YMCA for the touranment. On Wednesday, Mayor Peter Strazdas will read a proclamation naming Portage as "Pickleball Center of the World" for May 19-21, 2010"

YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo and Borgess fitness center to celebrate seniors: Both plan events for National Senior Health & Fitness Day | - MLive.com

YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo and Borgess fitness center to celebrate seniors: Both plan events for National Senior Health & Fitness Day - MLive.com: "YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo and Borgess fitness center to celebrate seniors: Both plan events for National Senior Health & Fitness Day
By Kalamazoo Gazette staff

KALAMAZOO — The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo and Borgess Health & Fitness Center are planning special events for the 17th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day, May 26"

Mayor Declares Portage Michigan Pickleball Center of the World

Kalamazoo Doubles Pickleball Tournament

Volunteers Needed for KaZoo Pickleball Tournament

KALAMAZOO PICKLEBALL DOUBLES TOURNAMENT


Volunteers needed for May Tournament - please email if you can help out!

Registration Table Thursday and Friday:

• Thurs 4pm - 6pm Mike Keenan, Carol Pastrick, Carol Hands and Barb Ackerman (at 6pm Mike, Barb and Carol P to courts)
• Friday 7am Mike Keenan, Carol Hands

Greeter at Main Entry (You'll have a checklist of attendees, send them to registration and check their name off the list):

• Thursday 4pm - 6pm
• Friday 7am - 8am

Computer Scorekeeper Assistants (You'll prep scoresheets for referees, help Bob Northrop with score entry as matches end, post printed results sheets on wall, help keep matches on court, look for open courts to assign matches etc.)

• Friday 7am - Noon (2 people: Mike Keenan & Carol Hands ?)
• Friday Noon - End of Tournament around 6 pm (2 people: _____ & _____)

Raffle Ticket sales

• Thursday 4pm - close
• Friday 7am - 11am
• Friday 11am - 3pm

Refreshments Chair Joyce Sickle needs helpers to keep food fresh, make coffee, serve pizza on Friday, etc.

• Thursday assist Joyce 3pm - 9pm (need 2 people)
• Friday 7am - Noon (need 2 people)
• Friday Noon - 5 pm (need 2 people)

Cookies & Brownies - Anyone who wants to bake or bring treats, please do!

Wednesday morning 11am - Over-tape Pickleball Lines (We are using high adhesion 2" masking tape on courts 1, 3, 5 and 7, and Frog Tape on courts 2, 4 and 6)

Thursday Night Drill Instructors 6-7pm : Need 7 volunteer "DI's" who will stick with a court and teach a unique skill drill to groups of players (we will train you at 4pm on Thursday May 20th - each drill is specific)

Thursday Set-up - 3pm (Need 6-10 volunteers)

• Facilities/nets/tables/chairs/balls
• Audio Equipment - Help Bob run wires and load in equipment
• Table Set up for Vendors, remove basketball nets, etc
• Set Raffle Table items
• Hang banner, post signs on court

Friday Tear-Down - 9:30 pm

• Nets/standards/tables/chairs/balls
• Food and kitchen items
• Audio equipment out-load
• Remove signage
• Leave the YMCA in perfect shape.

See you in the Zoo!

Sincerely,
Melissa Muha - PickleBall Ambassador - Portage :: gardenwebb@gmail.com
Bob Northrop - PickleBall Ambassador - Kalamazoo :: rpn@vwworks.com



more info @ http://www.where2pickle.org/

Tournament Players Read - AND PLAY BY - The Rules

USAPA Official Tournament Rulebook

May 11th - Pickleball Clinics @ Lexington Green Park - Portage

http://www.where2pickle.org/clinics.php#lex

MSO 2010 Summer Pickleball Games Information Flyer

Michigan Senior Olympics

2010 Summer Pickleball Games

Infomation Flyer

http://usapa.org/file/mi/2010_Summer_MSO_Pickleball.pdf

Enjoy the PoP! POp!

Happy Mother's Day to Michigan's Sweet Picklers

Experience Outdoor Pickleball

From Dick Manasseri ~

Thank you for supporting the efforts of the Rochester Pickleball Club (RPC) thoughout the Fall/Winter/Spring season inside at Adams High School. We continue inside at Adams through Saturday, May 22nd.

And then the RPC will venture out into the great OUTDOORS!

The RPC is taping several outdoor courts at Rochester High School as the venue for most of its summertime Pickleball activities.

• RPC Event Flyer http://usapa.org/file/mi/Rochester_Pickleball_Club_2010_Summer.pdf

Bring your family and friends to learn the game at the Free Beginner Demo/Clinic each Saturday at 1pm, starting May 29th . Join Beginners and Intermediate players each Saturday 1-3pm for Drop-in play for $2 (with the 10-punch card available at the courts). Or get a super workout at the Intermediate/Advanced Drop-in session each Saturday 3-5pm.

How about an Outdoor Ladder League on Wednesday evenings starting June 2nd for 10 weeks for only $15 for USAPA Members ($20 for non-USAPA Members)!

• RPC Ladder Registration Flyer http://usapa.org/file/mi/RPC_Summer_Ladder_League.doc

Get your registration to our Ladder Captain, Ray Benitez, or mail it to Dick Manasseri by May 28th.

Mark your calendar -

for the 2010 RPC Festival and Tournament!

August 25-29

• RPC Tournament & Festival Registration Flyer http://usapa.org/file/mi/RPC_2010_Tournament_and_Festival.pdf  

There will recreational events for all ages like Speed Pickleball and Mixed Generation Doubles as well as a USAPA Sanctioned tournament with Junior, Senior and Adult Divisions. The fees are reasonable and there is a $10 discount for USAPA Members.

There are even very reasonably-priced RPC Pickleball Camps for younger players! ($25 – see the above flier for details)

Make this the summer you experience the outdoor fun of Pickleball with the rest of the Rochester Community. Please help spread the word.

Contact me if you have questions or would like to volunteer to help administer these activities, teach, referee, etc.

Thanks,
Dick Manasseri
dmanasseri@usapa.org

Notice of FREE Upcoming Referee Training

PICKLEBALL***Pickleball***PICKLEBALL
Notice of FREE Upcoming Referee Training

Referees are always needed for tournaments and here is an opportunity to learn the ropes. Learn the ins and outs of officiating and get into the game! Remember the Auburn Hills Summer Smash II, MSO 2010 Summer Games, and Rochester Pickleball Club Tournament & Festival are coming up soon!

• Date: Thursday, May 27, 2010
• Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00
• Location: Auburn Hills Community Center Carriage Room

Please contact Dick Manasseri at 248-375-5907 or Michelle Pozan at 248-370-9353 for more information or to RSVP.

Singing Pickleball Pete! Performing July 8, 2010 at the OPC!

Singing Pickleball Pete! Performing July 8, 2010 at the OPC!

 Information Flyer:

• http://www.opcseniorcenter.org/Menu/02_Activities/Performing_Arts/RPMR_07082010.pdf

Pickleball Outfitters Facebook Page

Pickleball Outfitters Facebook Page
Get exclusive content and interact with Pickleball Outfitters.com right from Facebook.

St. Ignace Pickleball Clinic

Ambassador Report From Northern Michigan

"Last Saturday at the annual Kids Fair in St. Ignace, my sister Wendy Franz, (USTA instructor from Midland MI) assisted me in running a 3 hour Pickleball clinic for kids. It was a big hit. Basically, no one had ever heard of it or saw it and the lines never ended for kids wanting to get in on the fun. Sponsored by The Great Waters Center for Lifelong Learning organization." Cheryl Schlehuber, USAPA Ambassador - St. Ignace, Michigan