Pickleball Mania invades Oregon

During the July 4 weekend, three generations traveled to Sun River, OR, to participate in the First Annual Pickleball Mania. Athletes and their families traveled from all over to enjoy games for the entire family.

But how often does one see three generations in the same tournament? Competitors included Beverly and Bob Youngren, daughter Jennifer Lucore and husband Brandon and granddaughters Lauren and Lindsay Lucore. The Youngrens and Lucores all won medals. In fact, in the women’s singles, Jennifer won gold, Beverly won silver and Lauren won bronze!

The most exciting event was the Youth (18 and under) finals involving Lauren, Lindsay, Kahlil (from Texas) and Josh (from Oregon). These four young adults demonstrated all the techniques from dinking to underhand serves and smashes that are usually seen when adults are playing. Though many may recognize Pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in the Senior Olympics, these four have also shown that any age can play and have a lot of fun!

There are now four dedicated Pickleball courts at San Luis Rey Downs in Bonsall; open play takes place Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Everyone is invited to come watch and see if they too would like to learn to play.

Those who would like further information are encouraged to e-mail USA Pickleball Association Ambassador Beverly Youngren at [email protected] or call Pat Carroll of the Pickleball Commission for San Diego at (760) 310-6847. They’ll relish the game!