The Leisure Services Department of the City of St. George announced last week that the USA Pickleball Association will donate $2,500 to St. George’s pickleball program to promote the sport among youth. The presentation will take place at the St. George City Council meeting on Aug.18.
“This contribution came as a complete surprise to us as no other organization that has used our facilities has made such a generous offer,” said Wayne Bullock, head tennis/pickleball pro for the City of St. George. In April, the association held its West Regional Tournament at the Little Valley Pickleball Facility in St. George. “We are thrilled that the USAPA recognizes that St. George Recreation has led the way in promoting this great sport and developed one of the top pickleball programs in the country. This contribution will allow us to provide some equipment and scholarships for lessons for young players who might otherwise be unable to afford to participate.”
“Seniors have embraced pickleball since the game was created in 1965, and we believe the next frontier ultimately lies with our youth,” said Bob Klarich, St. George USAPA representative. St. George donated its championship facility and support to us for the tournament and we felt it was only right that we contribute some money earned from the tournament to the local youth pickleball program. St. George Recreation and Leisure Services were early proponents of this fast growing sport, and we know that once kids are introduced to it, they are hooked.”
“Wayne Bullock and Trish Loghry have worked tirelessly to develop a strong pickleball program in the city of St. George — one that is receiving regional and national recognition for leadership and excellence in the industry,” said Steve Bingham, recreation manager for the City of St. George. “We couldn’t have done this without the help and support of Southern Utah Pickleball and the Sun River Pickleball Club.”
Pickleball is played on a doubles badminton-sized court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center, a polymer ball slightly smaller than a whiffle ball, and paddles made of composite material. Rules of play are simple, and the game is easy for beginners to learn but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.
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