Pamela J. Markey
Independence
To the editor:
Once again, the Palmer Center hosted a fabulous Pickleball tournament on June 20. Pickleball is a combination of tennis, table tennis and badminton. It is played with a plastic ball with holes, similar to a whiffle ball, and a small composite or graphite paddle. (See www.pickleball.com). The net is 34 inches high from the ground up, and the game can be played inside on a gymnasium floor or on a tennis court. The court is the same size as a badminton court.
Forty teams played in the mixed doubles, women’s doubles and men’s doubles. Teams from Kansas City, Blue Springs, Pleasant Hill, Lee’s Summit, Independence, Liberty, Columbia, North Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence and Overland Park participated. Players ranged from 50 to 80 years old. Many of the teams are also preparing to play in the Missouri State Senior Games in Columbia on July 31, Aug. 1 and 2.
A special thanks to Richard Turner and Mike Adams, Palmer Center volunteers, who organized the tournament. Their skill and knowledge of the game and their organizational ability are exemplary. A heartfelt thank you from all the participants is extended to them.
Also, a great big thanks is extended to the other people and players, too numerous to mention, who volunteered to assist with the mechanics of the tournament. Their service is greatly appreciated. Their willingness to help in whatever capacity when asked far exceeded anyone’s expectations. These volunteers were referees, scorekeepers and recorders. A special thanks to Susan Curtis who became the statistician at the end of the tournament.
And finally, but not least, thank you to the Independence Parks & Recreation Department and Palmer Center for providing the facility. We appreciate you and greatly appreciate having the opportunity to play.
