St. George Youth Pickleball Program Receives $2500 Contribution from USAPA

Wednesday, August 17,2016
Press Release



St. George Youth Pickleball Program Receives $2500 Contribution from USAPA

Donation Earmarked for Pickleball Equipment and Youth Lessons

St. George, UT. — August, 17, 2016 The Leisure Services Department of the City of St. George today announced that the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) will the St. George Pickleball Program with a contribution of $2500 to promote the sport among youth. The presentation will take place at the St. George City Council meeting on August 18th. In April of this year, the USAPA held its West Regional Tournament at the Little Valley Pickleball Facility in St. George. The sport of pickleball is governed by the USA Pickleball Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that advocates the growth of pickleball by maintaining the rules and player ratings, promoting the sport through its national network of Ambassadors and sanctioning of tournaments.

 

“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.  “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 (SOUP) and the Sun River Pickleball Club. This donation is another example of that ongoing support from SOUP and the Sun River Pickleball Club which ran the West Regional Tournament.”

 

Pickleball is widely recognized as one of America’s fastest growing sports. The game 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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Della Lowe

St. George Recreation

220 N 200 East

St. George, UT 84770

O: 435 627-4578

M: 650-868-5829

 

della.lowe@sgcity.org