Tennessee Senior Pickleball Finals: Sunday marked the end of the Tennessee Senior Olympics Pickleball State Championship, capping off five days of fierce competition at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The event drew in around 800 players, all aged 50 and older, showing the rapid growth and popularity of pickleball in the region.
Exponential Growth of the Sport
Christine Dewbre, Executive Director for the Tennessee Senior Olympics, highlighted the sport’s explosive expansion.
“So we’ve seen exponential growth where everyone is trying to catch up, courts are being built, tournaments are everywhere, people love it, and it’s a fabulous sport for us to host.” – (Dewbre)
Competitors were divided into separate divisions based on skill level and age, with options to compete in singles, doubles, or mixed doubles.
“Today we will crown champions in every single age group and every single skill division. They will all medal and have a chance to go onto the National Senior Olympics next summer in Des Moines, Iowa.” – (Dewbre)
The Road to Nationals
For many competitors, like Marne Smith, the goal was clear—secure a top-four finish to qualify for nationals.
“We work hard out here to get a medal, we are trying to finish in the top four because the top four get to go to nationals next year in Des Moines, Iowa.” – (Smith)
Having already secured a bronze in the women’s doubles tournament in her division on Saturday, Smith was gearing up for her mixed doubles match.
“It’s getting people out of their homes and onto the pickleball court, it’s a social event as well, it’s fun, they’re meeting friends and they’re staying friends for life.” – (Smith)
A Sport for All Ages
Melissa Powell, another fierce competitor, echoed Smith’s sentiments. Playing at the highest skill division, Powell placed first in women’s doubles on Saturday, earning her spot at the national tournament.
“It’s just great seeing something for the older people maybe, the 50 and ups, to get to compete, so that’s always fun.” – (Powell)
Powell and Smith encouraged others to pick up a paddle, regardless of age.
“And once you pick up a paddle you’ll never look back.” – (Smith)
News in Brief: Tennessee Senior Pickleball Finals
The Tennessee Senior Olympics Pickleball State Championship concluded on Sunday at the Chattanooga Convention Center, drawing 800 players aged 50 and older. Competitors were divided by skill level and age, competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles pickleball. Winners in each division qualify for the National Senior Olympics next summer in Des Moines, Iowa.
Christine Dewbre, Executive Director of the Tennessee Senior Olympics, noted the sport’s rapid growth. Competitor Marne Smith highlighted pickleball’s social and health benefits, while Melissa Powell, who qualified for nationals, praised the opportunities the sport offers for older athletes.
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