As they did Friday and Saturday, pickleballs will soar over nets all day today at Hot Springs Convention Center.
Today is the final day of the Mid-America Indoor Pickleball Championships, which have been held for the past two days in the convention center's Hall D and at Bank of the Ozarks Arena. The tournament, which was organized by Hot Springs Village resident Jim McPherson, is the largest in its six-state region and features 275 players competing in more than 600 matches.
The pickleballers in the tournament range from ages 19-80 and hail from 23 states. Chris Newcomer, of Rowlett, Texas, said that she enjoyed both the games and running into competitors from other locations.
"Competition's great," Newcomer said. "I'm running into people that I've played with from Louisiana, Colorado Springs and also Arizona."
The competitors spoken to by The Sentinel-Record all said that they enjoyed the tournament, especially in Bank of the Ozarks Arena. Charles Pittman, of Little Rock, said that the facility makes the tournament convenient in nature, stating that the central location of the matches differs from other pickleball tournaments he has attended.
"In the past, we had to go to more than one location, so you lose time sometimes, going from one spot to another. It throws your rhythm off," Pittman said. "Here, not only do you get a chance to see all the games in one location, but you get to see some of your friends and some of the other folks that play where I play in Little Rock."
While the facility centralized the competition in one location, pickleballers also enjoyed its spacious nature. Joe Guarnera, of Grand Prairie, Texas, specifically pointed out this aspect of the facility.
"Plenty of room -- it's the best facility I've played in after two years," Guarnera said of the arena.
Pickleball is played with a paddle and a plastic ball on a badminton-sized court and incorporates elements of tennis, badminton and Ping-Pong. The competitors spoke very highly of pickleball -- Jerry Terrell, of Russellville, described the sport as one that is good for both interaction and competition.
"I'm super competitive, but also a social person," Terrell said. "It's the perfect sport."
While pickleball provides enjoyment for many, others recognize the sport's health benefits, as well. Guarnera, who said he has been in health and fitness his entire life, said that pickleball is a convenient activity, especially for the elderly.
"This is the funnest, easiest way to stay in shape that I've ever seen," Guarnera said.
While he expressed enjoyment for himself, Terrell also recommended pickleball to others.
"If you've never tried this sport, you gotta try it," he said. "It's too much fun."
Local on 03/26/2017