Medford Pickleball Fest: The scorching summer heat couldn’t stop the excitement at Medford Rogue Rotary’s 4th annual Pickleball Fest. As the tournament opened at Fichtner-Mainwaring Park, players were ready to compete, undeterred by the rising temperatures.
Day One: Women’s Doubles Action
Friday’s matches saw non-stop women’s doubles action, with local and out-of-state players competing fiercely. Participants registered online and were categorized by their skill level, ensuring fair competition. The tournament spans the weekend, with mixed doubles on Saturday and men’s singles on Sunday. Competitors face an intense schedule, needing multiple victories to advance to the playoff round and compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals.
After speaking with some of the participants, it was clear they were eager for the challenge. “I would say that the hardest part is the court coverage and maneuvers because it’s different from other sports that people come from.” said a competitor from Reno, Nevada, reflecting on the unique demands of pickleball.
Her doubles partner, returning to the court after multiple injuries, added,
“For me, it was breaking my wrist twice in ten months. But here I am playing pickleball again and, keeping my fingers crossed, I don’t break it for a third time.”
Supporting Local Causes
Pickleball Fest serves not just as a sports event but as a way to give back. Cheryl Dyer, a Medford Rogue Rotarian, emphasized that the sponsorship funds raised from the tournament benefit local youth programs, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Innovation Academy. The success of the event, she explained, was due to the collaboration between the Southern Oregon Pickleball Association and Medford Parks and Recreation.
The Social Side of Pickleball
One of the biggest draws to pickleball is the sense of community. According to Nani Nakamatsu of the Southern Oregon Pickleball Society, “It’s the social aspect that keeps her coming back.” The inclusive nature of pickleball was on full display during the tournament, as players ranged from teenagers to women in their 70s, all sharing the same courts and passion for the game.
News in Brief: Medford Pickleball Fest
Pickleball Fest 2024 kicked off in Medford, Oregon, with women’s doubles on Friday at Fichtner-Mainwaring Park. Participants from various states competed in the weekend-long event, which also features mixed doubles and men’s singles.
Medals will be awarded after a playoff round. Cheryl Dyer highlighted that sponsorships fund youth programs, while participants like Nani Nakamatsu praised the sport’s inclusive, social nature.
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