Pickleball Tournament Draws Players: Monument Valley Park in Colorado Springs was abuzz with excitement this past Saturday as it hosted the highly anticipated Pikes Peak or Bust Pickleball tournament. With nearly 400 players participating, the event showed a diverse range of talent and a spirit of friendship. From intense matches on the court to heartfelt moments of sportsmanship off it, the tournament showed Pickleball’s growing popularity and its role in bringing together players from across the country.
Thrilling Matches and Unpredictable Moments
At Monument Valley Park on Saturday, the Pikes Peak or Bust Pickleball tournament brought together nearly 400 players in a lively display of skill and sportsmanship. Among the competitors were Jeff Downs and Amy Smith, whose mixed doubles match in the 50-59 category showed the thrilling unpredictability of the sport.
As the ball balanced precariously on the net, Downs and Smith prepared for what they anticipated would be a straightforward point. However, the ball dropped to their side before they could react, a reminder of the game’s unpredictable nature. “It happens,” Downs said with a shrug as he and Smith regrouped for their opponent’s next serve. Their focus paid off, leading to a decisive 15-4 victory in the second match.
“This is a great group of people who aren’t just from the Springs but from all over. There are some good Pickleball players here and everyone of them are nice. You have a cordial crowd of players who are fun to play against.” – (downs)
Community Spirit and Inclusive Competition
The tournament, hosted by the Pikes Peak Pickleball Association, was not just a competition but a celebration of the sport’s growth. Joe Johnson, president of the Pikes Peak Pickleball Association, emphasized the importance of the event in Colorado Springs.
“Colorado Springs is becoming one of the key destinations for people to come and play. This tournament is from [ages] 18 to 50-plus. Last year and this year, we offered wheelchair play to our wheelchair athletes who don’t have the venue in Colorado Springs. This is for everyone who wants to play and we’re proud of that.” – (Johnson)
Johnson’s vision for the event was to create an inclusive environment where players of all levels and backgrounds could come together. The tournament, which was formerly known as the Colorado Open and held in Denver, has now found a new home in Colorado Springs.
Lifelong Engagement and Inspiration
Smith, who traveled from Indiana for the tournament, expressed the community spirit that characterizes the sport.
“It’s amazing to know that people will travel from where they do just to come out and have fun. People in this sport are so friendly and kind. It’s competitive on the court and then when you’re done, you talk and have a good time.” – (Smith)
For Downs, who transitioned from a 50-year tennis career to Pickleball, the sport’s smaller court and similarities to tennis made it an appealing choice.
“When you get older, how I am, that small court is definitely more appealing than a big tennis court. This game is a lot like tennis, so it was easy to pick up. It’s fun to play against great competitors and have good friends on the court at the same time.” – (downs)
News in Brief: Pickleball Tournament Draws Players
The Pikes Peak or Bust Pickleball tournament not only showed top-tier competition but also highlighted the sport’s ability to foster connections and bring together players from all walks of life. The event’s atmosphere of friendship and inclusivity was evident throughout, reinforcing Pickleball’s role in building a vibrant, supportive community.
As players like Downs and Smith show, the sport is more than just a game—it’s a lifelong passion that continues to inspire and connect people across the nation.
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