The USAPA Great Lakes Region places high value on both competitive AND recreational pickleball events for ALL ages and ALL skill levels. Today, OPC Rochester, MI successfully hosted the Region's 1st Showcase Recreational Event, the "Spring Fling" Pickleball Tournament!
"Great Lakes Region Showcase Recreational Event" Criteria:
- Open to USAPA members and non-members
- Discounts offered to USAPA members unless this is not doable because the event is part of a larger event like the senior or state games that include other sports
- USAPA rules enforced by players
- USAPA tournament software used so that results are posted on the USAPA website – requires that the Tournament Director is a USAPA member
- USAPA membership table available for on site registration
- Event is listed on the Great Lakes Regional website calendar, and a description before and after the event (with pictures) is posted on the website
- Branded label "Great Lakes Region Showcase Recreational Event" is used on flyers
In addition to being faithful to The Region's Showcase criteria, the OPC Rochester, MI "Spring Fling" Pickleball Tournament tacked on a "player criteria" that stirred up the excitement and encouraged new players to join in..."just for the FUN of it!' The "Spring Fling" was booked as a first pickleball tournament experience. More experienced players were encouraged to come and serve as volunteer tournament support, timekeepers, donut eaters, scorekeepers, FANS, etc.
The "Spring Fling" boasted a new round robin format "Mixed Up Doubles"! Partners were drawn randomly and continued to change with each of the games played. The clock was set. Players had 12 minutes to accumulate points. The buzzer signaled the five minute "time outs" that were built into the pace of the Tournament. Players enjoyed lively music and lively conversations during the "time outs", getting to know one another as they entered each round with a new partner. Each player enjoyed at least 6 rounds and scores were tallied to identify the TOP Three.
The TOP Three were awarded prizes, but the "Spring Fling" FUN Recreational Tournament results have more to do with laughter and friendships than points or scores. Players and FANS represented Ontario and the Michigan cities of Birmingham, Clarkston, Grand Rapids, Grosse Pointe, Macomb Twp., Oakland Twp., Rochester, Rochester Hills, Shelby and Troy. All the players went home with handmade refrigerator magnates featuring "Little Pickles" the OPC Pickleball mascot and a greater sense of the FUN of the great game of the Great Lakes - PICKLEBALL!
Now here's the frosting on the cake (USAPA Member Lou's birthday cake to be exact! Happy Birthday Lou!) -- a very special sur"prize"! Like the "Little Engine that Could", the OPC Little Pickles "Spring Fling" smiled it's way to the TOP of the Hill! By the end of the Tournament every person on the Player List could boast being a USA Pickleball Association Member! Welcome to the New USAPA Members that 'steamed the engine', including the TOP of today's TOP Three, Mary Stoolmiller! Go Mary! Go Recreational Players!
Enjoy the "Spring Fling" slideshow on the sidebar! And register to enjoy the FUN next week at OPC's "PoP! Till You Drop!" Tournament, the 2nd "Great Lakes Region Showcase Recreational Event"!
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