“People from all age groups are taking an interest in the sport. “It’s just a growing sport in general,” said Daberkow. Ryan Daberkow, an athletics coordinator for South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, said he wouldn’t necessarily label the sport as becoming more competitive. That’s one of the many beauties of the sport.” It’s like any sport, it can be played aggressively, and very competitively … We’ve got some really competitive 70 (year-old) plus players and others that are here to have a good time, smile and laugh. “Anybody that is truly an ambassador for the sport is happy that the younger generation is acknowledging that this is a fast-paced, aggressive game. “Commonly, people looked at it as a senior sport, but you are seeing some of the younger tennis players come over and literally change the sport. Siegel believes pickleball gives former athletes another chance to compete later in life, but it is also drawing interest from younger generations. It can be played indoors or outdoors, doubles or singles. It’s played with paddles and a plastic ball with holes in it on a 20-foot by 44-foot badminton-size court. The sport includes elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association reports that 43% of players are 65 years old or older. Pickleball is particularly popular among seniors. Numerous tournaments are scheduled in Colorado this summer, including competitions in Englewood and Arvada. There were 3.1 million players in 2018, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. There has been a 650% increase in players over the past six years, according to the USA Pickleball Association. “No question, there is competition - and at all ages,” said Don Siegel, director for two tournaments at the Apex Center in Arvada. Today, the sport even has professional players. In addition to be considered a fun, recreational game, pickleball has grown into a seriously competitive outlet for many. The sport with a curious name has exploded in popularity. The sport is getting more competitive and we do have much younger people coming in that can just beat the pants off me.” “Some people are here to say ‘hi’ and if they play a game and lose, no big deal. “There are some who show up to really play the game,” Pinkel said. in Centennial, near East Arapahoe Road.James Pinkel, 69, of Centennial, plays pickleball three or four days a week against a variety of players at the Lone Tree Recreation Center. “And they're glad I'm recycling,” Albi laughed. “Through word of mouth, friends and family heard about it.”Ĭustomers gave her positive reactions, she said. “I saw in the background of a TV show an American flag made of beer bottle caps,” said Albi, 62, who decided to make art out of those caps and reclaimed wood. The Goodson Recreation Center event was the first-ever craft show for Amy Albi, a Lone Tree-area resident who decided to build on a flash of inspiration. “All the money I make goes to the grandkids at Christmas.” She arranges glass blocks with string lights inside for the holidays - with sports team memorabilia on the front. In the meantime, she came up with the idea that helped her pass the time. “My husband got cancer, and I didn't know what to do with myself,” said Leonida, whose husband has since recovered. 7 event as an outlet for an especially personal craft. Highlands Ranch resident Mona Leonida, 70, used the Dec. A packed parking lot was the sign of South Suburban Parks and Recreation's 33rd annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair, where several dozen vendors and baked goods helped whip up holiday spirit.
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