After speaking with the app developer, Alex Murry, we've learned the app is going to add the ability for users to add new places, rate places, and comment/post on locations.
]]>
The dates for the 2017 Huntsman Games are October 9th through October 21st. Competition in the pickleball events takes place starting October 16th and runs through October 21st with no makeup dates scheduled.
The history of the Huntsman World Senior Games dates back to 1987 when it was known as the World Senior Games, an international sports competition for seniors. Since it started, the games have been open to all men or women meeting the age requirement. The initial age was 55 years but was lowered to 50 years in the second year to encourage more athletes to become involved in a personal fitness program or team sport.
The games are also known to promote health by providing screenings for cancer - breast and prostate, as well as other health threats such as glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and bone density.
The games are really known as the Senior Olympics due to the large number of countries participating. Top three finishers receive Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and the events range from Archery and Horseshoes, to Badminton and Shuffleboard and of course, pickleball.
For the 2017 games, Pickleball competition gets going on October 16th. Events included are Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Skill Level Doubles. Contestants are slotted into 5-year age brackets starting with 50+ all the way up to 100+. Tournament rules say that registration is limited to the first 500+ Pickleball players so participants are asked to register early. Registration for the 2017 Huntsman World Senior Games begins as early as February 28th and will extend until the September 1st deadline.
For players entering skill level events, they are required to enter their appropriate skill level on their registration form. For those needing to determine their skill level they can check the USA Pickleball Association website or review the rating chart provided on the Huntsman World Senior Games site.
This event is one of the biggest for competitive pickleball players since it brings in players from all around the world. Players will have a chance to test their skills in singles, doubles or mixed events with a chance to show their skills, ability and teamwork and hopefully take home a medal in this highly prestigious event.
]]>Pickleball is most popular with people over 60 years of age. Recent numbers show that 68% of all pickleball players are over 60. The game is extremely popular at senior centers and recreation facilities and is becoming more popular everyday. Industry experts predict that in a few years there could be as many as 8 million players playing the game.
The USAPA, which stands for the USA Pickleball Association, has seen their membership numbers also rapidly increase since 2010. Not only membership numbers, but they have tracked the number of pickleball courts (courts specifically for pickleball) as well as places to play (includes basketball gyms or tennis courts fitted to the game) and those numbers have also risen dramatically over the same span.
It’s hard to pinpoint why the dramatic increase in recent years, but many think it is most popular with those of the baby boomer generation. Primarily because of its similarity to tennis but with less physical effort required to play. The game also lends itself nicely to playing with a partner in a doubles format. Doubles play actually provides even less court space to cover and allows players to partner up which makes it even more of a social experience.
Part of the rise in popularity of the game is that it is now extending outside of retirement community settings and is starting to pop up in other locations where it has never been. This is in part because programs are being initiated in elementary, middle schools and high schools around the country.
With the number of pickleball tournaments growing, more people are being exposed to the game which is also bringing in many new players. Those numbers will only grow as this sport begins getting more exposure.
Pickleball is also not just popular in the U.S. Although the U.S. boast the highest percentage of players, it’s estimated that over 30% of players worldwide come from outside of the United States. Many of the same reasons that pickleball is popular in the U.S., also applies to players from other parts of the world.
So if you’re one of those people who has yet to give pickleball a try, what are you waiting for?
]]>The fun actually kicks off on Friday, April 21st with a Kids Day and Media Day event. Then on Saturday, the event will host a “Party in the Park” event. There will be a variety of events and festivities happening throughout the US Open Village for anyone to take advantage of. Included will be live music, food and a new product Demo. Practice courts will be open and a Pro pickleball clinic is also being offered.
The action gets underway on Sunday the 23rd and will consist of all singles events. On the men’s side there are categories for Pro, Senior Open and 14 different age group categories ranging from 19+ to 85+. The winner of the 2016 Pro singles title was Marcin Rozpedski. On the women’s side in singles, there is also a Pro and Senior Open champion and they offer 9 different age group champions ranging from 30+ to 75+. Last year's women's Pro champion was Simone Jardim.
The action continues on Monday with Men’s and Women’s age group events and on Tuesday moves into the Mixed age events. On Wednesday the Men’s Skill Events and Men’s Senior Pro Doubles takes place while the same events for women takes place on Thursday. On Friday, the competition heats up as players try to get to the championship finals being held on Saturday.
Finally, on Saturday the 29th, the Mixed Pro, Pro Double Finals, Mixed Senior Pro Finals and Mixed Skill events are held. If weather is a factor, play will carry over to the 30th. CBS Sports Network will be in Naples to film the the Pro Finals.
The format of the tournament is that of a double elimination with a consolation bracket. The consolation bracket will compete for the bronze medal. The winner’s bracket will be playing for the gold and silver medals.
The US Open staff will be transforming East Naples Community Park into a bit of a pickleball paradise with 48 courts set up, all surrounding the Zing Zang Championship court. Fans are able to watch matches for no charge except for pro matches being played on the Zing Zang Championship court.
Fans coming to the event are guaranteed to have a good time as they can browse the US Open Expo, take in some food and music and watch some of the best pickleball players in the world compete against each other and for prizes. So if you’re looking for a great spring experience, check out the 2017 US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples.
]]>