Duluth’s Halloween Pickleball Tournament: On a crisp Sunday afternoon, the Duluth Indoor Sports Center (DISC) resonated with the distinctive sound of pickleballs, but this tournament was far from the usual competitive atmosphere. The annual Halloween pickleball tournament embraced participants of all ages and skill levels, reflecting the inclusive nature of the sport.
A Celebration of All Ages
Tournament organizer Lou Campbell expressed the joy of participation, emphasizing that pickleball welcomes everyone.
“You don’t have to be Rafael Nadal to win this. I’m 70 years old, and I play this game every day and I enjoy this game.” – (Lou Campbell)
Lou Campbell highlighted the diversity of the players, noting,
“We have people who have never touched a ball or never held a paddle. People who were former tennis players, former tennis stars, all out here enjoying having a good time.” – (Lou Campbell)
Fellow participant Kaylee Christensen echoed this sentiment, marveling at the unique camaraderie fostered by the sport.
“I think it’s really cool that we have 80-year-olds here to play today and we have like 12-year-olds here. That’s really cool. In no other sport can you see that and play at the same level.” – (Kaylee Christensen)
Accessible Play for Everyone
One of the standout features of this tournament was its affordability. Players were granted free entry with just a donation of a few pickleballs, easing the financial burden that often accompanies competitive sports. Melissa Grover, Kaylee Christensen’s tournament partner, shared her thoughts on the cost of participating in tournaments.
“A lot of tournaments that we play in are pretty expensive, whether you’re traveling to a PPA tournament or just local to the Cities. I mean, there are times when you’re paying $100 plus to play in a tournament. So to be able to just come and give a couple of balls, like, that’s awesome.” – (Melissa Grover)
Lou Campbell further emphasized the tournament’s inclusive nature, suggesting that the low-pressure environment encourages players to engage more freely.
“There’s no use coming to a tournament thinking you’re going to lose it and pay a lot of money. So in order to feel comfortable, you’re not going to lose anything, no money, just your time. Play up, play against better players. It’s important to try and improve your game if that is what you’re looking for.” – (Lou Campbell)
Growing the Pickleball Community
The Halloween tournament showed the thriving pickleball community in the Northland, drawing men and women of all backgrounds to the Duluth Indoor Sports Center.
As the demand for new courts continues to rise, the reason is clear: pickleball emphasizes community spirit. Melissa Grover articulated this sentiment beautifully, stating,
“I think because it is an easy game to learn, and then to get better at too takes a little bit of time. But it’s nice, as you get older, to find a new hobby that you can actually improve at. It’s such a good way to meet a bunch of people and make friends that you never thought you’d be friends with.” – (Melissa Grover)
News in Brief: Duluth’s Halloween Pickleball Tournament
The Halloween pickleball tournament at the Duluth Indoor Sports Center (DISC) brought together players of all ages and skill levels, showing the sport’s inclusive spirit. With free entry provided through the donation of pickleballs, participants like Lou Campbell and Kaylee Christensen highlighted the unique camaraderie fostered in the sport.
The pickleball event showed the growing pickleball community in the Northland, emphasizing accessibility and the joy of meeting new friends through this engaging game.
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