Prescott’s Pickleball Events: Residents of the West Valley have a chance to learn pickleball at two free events hosted by the cities of Avondale and Goodyear. Led by Ron Wilks, senior ambassador for USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), the seminars will teach the game’s basics, benefits, and where to play.
Pickleball Seminars in Avondale and Goodyear
The first seminar will be held at 5:30 p.m. on April 17 at Avondale City Hall, located at 11465 West Civic Center Drive. The second event will take place at 5:30 p.m. on April 24 at the Goodyear Recreation Campus, 420 S. Estrella Parkway. Both events are free and open to the public. A raffle for a free lesson with Wilks will be offered at the Goodyear seminar.
Purpose of the Events
“Our objective for the activities is to encourage people to try to play pickleball, to provide the benefits of the game, provide them with its history, show them the equipment and let them understand that if they’re somewhat physically compromised, they should not automatically rule out playing.” – (wilks)
April is National Pickleball Month, making it an ideal time for these events.
Pickleball’s Growth and Benefits
Pickleball is known for being social and accessible.
“There are some interesting things that go on in pickleball, and I know for a fact that it is very social. You meet a lot of different people. There have been people who have gotten married as a result of meeting (while) playing pickleball.” – (wilks)
“A lot of young players are beginning to come to the game now. It used to be viewed as older folks playing. Now, it is not the case at all.” – (wilks)
A Sport for Everyone
Pickleball offers many physical and mental health benefits. It improves balance, flexibility, and heart health. It can also boost memory, lower stress, and help people stay active socially. Wilks explained that pickleball is very inclusive: players with Parkinson’s Disease and wheelchair users can also enjoy the game.
“The cost of the game is very nominal. All you need is a decent paddle, a ball and the courts.” – (wilks)
Impact of Pickleball’s Rising Popularity
Pickleball remains the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for the fourth year in a row. USAPA sanctioned 142 tournaments last year and has over 2,000 ambassadors like Wilks working nationwide.
“The role of an ambassador is to bring people to the game, teach them how to play, get them involved and bring the game to people so they can have fun, so they can understand the benefits of the game both socially and physically.” – (wilks)
The pickleball seminars in Avondale and Goodyear aim to welcome even more new players into the growing pickleball community.
News in Brief: Prescott’s Pickleball Events
Free pickleball seminars will be held April 17 in Avondale and April 24 in Goodyear, led by USAPA ambassador Ron Wilks. Events will teach basics, benefits, and history of the sport. A free lesson raffle will take place in Goodyear. All are welcome to join and learn.
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