Pickleball In Rhode Island’s Senior Games Takes Center Stage

Pickleball In Rhode Island’s Senior Games: After a challenging few years marked by COVID-19 disruptions, the Rhode Island Senior Games are making a strong comeback in 2024. This year’s lineup, spanning late summer through early fall, features a variety of events for athletes aged 50 and above. Notably, pickleball, a rapidly growing sport, stands out as the premier attraction.

With the resurgence of these games, participants have a unique opportunity to compete in one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The event, scheduled for September 27-29 at the newly opened Ocean State Pickleball in Narragansett, promises to be a highlight, offering players a chance to qualify for the National Senior Games.

“In the past, pre-COVID, when Mike was running things on his own, he probably had it up in the 18 to 20 range, and we’ll get there again over the years, But for this year, we’re going to be very happy to sponsor eight events very, very successfully.” Mentioned Belhumeur.

Pickleball Takes Center Stage

Among the eight scheduled events, pickleball stands out as the premier attraction, offering participants a chance to qualify for the National Senior Games. Despite the opportunity for national competition, the RISG organizers emphasize inclusivity, encouraging participation from all skill levels.

“It’s a real opportunity for people over 50 that may think that those opportunities won’t exist anymore, to learn that they do and they do all over the country,” Lyons stated.

The National Stage Beckons

The National Senior Games occur biennially, with the off-years serving as qualifying periods for state-level competitions. The 2025 NSG will be hosted in Des Moines, Iowa. Lyons highlighted the transformative experience of competing at the national level.

“Once somebody goes to the nationals, if they’ve never experienced it, they become really big proponents,” Lyons explained. “Once they experience it at the national level and go and see just what a large undertaking it is and how much fun it is, they really do get hooked.”

New Facilities and Events

This year’s Rhode Island Senior Games will kick off on August 11 with a bowling event. Pickleball, scheduled for September 27-29, will be held at the newly opened Ocean State Pickleball in Narragansett, which boasts eight indoor courts in an air-conditioned facility.

“Pickleball has become huge, with lots of folks playing it, especially the older folks, It’s exploding and lots of fun.”

-(Tom Arcangeli)

Additionally, the games will feature a new horseshoe pitching event, thanks to the involvement of the Horseshoe Pitching Association of Rhode Island. Notably, participation in RISG is not restricted to Rhode Island residents, attracting competitors from across the country, including Michigan, Tennessee, Washington, and New England states. Organizers anticipate 800 to 1,000 participants, with approximately 15% coming from out of state.

“I definitely believe as the word spreads, that we will get a lot more participation from the New England states, the ones close to us,” Lyons said, “because all of these people are looking for additional opportunities to participate, and they don’t exist in a vacuum.”

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News in Brief: Pickleball in Rhode Island’s Senior Games