Local Pickleball Players Take on the Ultimate Pickleball Challenge: Two local pickleball enthusiasts from Lexington, Edwin Gerace and Stan Rickert, are gearing up for an exciting opportunity as they prepare to compete in the National Mall of Pickleball Ultimate Duo Challenge in Washington D.C. From September 27 to September 29, the duo will represent their community in a unique event that combines sport and history, allowing them to play amidst some of the nation’s most iconic monuments. Selected as one of just six pairs from across the country, Gerace and Rickert are not only thrilled to showcase their skills but also eager to celebrate the camaraderie and accessibility that pickleball brings to players of all ages.
Exciting Opportunity at the National Mall
Lexington pickleball players Edwin Gerace and Stan Rickert are set to represent their community at the National Mall of Pickleball Ultimate Duo Challenge, taking place from September 27 to September 29 in Washington D.C. The duo was selected as one of six pairs from across the nation to participate in this unique event. While competition is a key component, the pair emphasizes the significance of playing in such a historic location. “I think it’s more just for play. I don’t think it’s competitive,” Rickert noted, highlighting the experience of playing surrounded by iconic monuments.
“It’s more just getting out and being at the National Mall will be very interesting. I’m looking forward to it just to be able to say, ‘Hey, I played pickleball there. Kind of an unusual statement I think for most people to be able to say.” – (Rickert)
The event features free games open to the public, encouraging community involvement and allowing others to engage with the sport. The Ultimate Duo Challenge, scheduled for September 28, aims to bring together players of various skill levels and backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and excitement for the game. This year marks the first time the National Mall Trust and the Humana Foundation have hosted a duos challenge, adding an exciting new element to the annual pickleball celebration.
A Sport for All Ages
The theme of this year’s event, “One for the Ages,” reflects the growing popularity of pickleball among diverse age groups. Both Gerace and Rickert have observed firsthand the sport’s ability to connect people across generations. “We play with older people, and I’ve played with kids as young as 12 that are pretty good,” Rickert shared, showing the sport’s broad appeal. The welcoming nature of pickleball encourages social interaction and community building, allowing players to forge connections while enjoying the game.
“It kind of crosses over all ages, and it’s just a great social event. I’ve got to know three or four hundred people just from playing pickleball.” – (Rickert)
Gerace, a USA pickleball ambassador, has been instrumental in promoting the sport in Lexington. He played a key role in organizing local charity tournaments benefiting the Special Olympics and helped secure a state grant for the construction of 16 new pickleball courts. Together with Rickert, they host free clinics to introduce newcomers to the sport, showing their commitment to expanding pickleball’s reach within the community.
“I think that the way it’s set up, the game, it’s a low-cost sport. People do it in their driveway. It lends itself to all economic kinds of people, as well as demographics and age. So it just appeals to a lot more people.” – (Gerace)
Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Community
Despite its growing popularity, Gerace and Rickert acknowledge that some aspects of pickleball can be challenging for new players. One common hurdle is keeping score, which can be confusing for beginners. “One of the things that always gets everybody in the beginning is they say, ‘Hey, I can hit the ball, I can do all this, I just can’t keep score,’” Rickert explained. The duo noted that the scoring system can be a source of humor among players, as many struggle to remember the three numbers needed during matches.
“There’s three numbers you have to remember. And I mean, during the games, it’ll be a hard-fought battle, and all of a sudden, you’re like, ‘Who just served that? What’s the score?’ So it’s always kind of a joke among the pickleball players is just the score and who’s remembering.” – (Rickert)
Nevertheless, the low-cost nature of the sport makes it accessible to a wide audience. Gerace pointed out that pickleball can be played almost anywhere, from driveways to local courts, attracting individuals from various backgrounds and demographics. “It lends itself to all economic kinds of people, as well as demographics and age,” he said.
The sense of community that comes from playing pickleball is noticeable, as players support one another and celebrate their progress together. The growth of local pickleball groups on social media platforms further shows the sport’s welcoming atmosphere, creating a vibrant network for players in the Lexington area.
News in Brief: Local Pickleball Players Take on the Ultimate Pickleball Challenge
As Gerace and Rickert embark on this extraordinary journey to the National Mall, their passion for pickleball and commitment to community engagement shines through. Their involvement in promoting the sport locally, coupled with their excitement for this unique event, highlights the growing popularity of pickleball across generations.
Through their efforts, they continue to foster a welcoming environment for pickleball players in Lexington, encouraging others to join the ranks of this dynamic and inclusive sport. The National Mall of Pickleball Ultimate Duo Challenge promises to be a memorable experience, showcasing not only their skills but also the spirit of community that defines pickleball.
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