Pickleball tournament draws large crowds to Selma

Submitted by TOWN OF SELMA

SELMA — Pickleball is becoming more popular among people of all ages in Selma.

This is also true throughout the country, as pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. People in Selma are choosing the sport to stay physically, mentally and socially active.

Selma’s recent Holiday Slam Pickleball Tournament had 182 players registered. Over the event’s three days, more than 700 people came to Edgebrook Park.

More than $8,000 in prizes was awarded during the tournament. Players came from California, Florida, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia in addition to North Carolina.

Tournament directors were Enfry Mendez and Gary Stewart and the tournament host was Jesse Simon. Simon is a 5.0-level pickleball player who has earned more than 50 medals since 2012.

Winners included Ricky Stephens and Steve Vozza in the men’s 60-plus open, Carol Wright and Tammy Brown in the women’s 60-plus open, Mick Ray in the singles open, Collin Shick and Sarah Carpenter in the mixed doubles open and Simon and Stephen Scala in the men’s doubles open.

“In many ways, pickleball is an ideal sport as it can accommodate people of varying fitness levels while still offering a good aerobic workout,” said Kelly Blanchard, community engagement coordinator for the Town of Selma.

For more information about upcoming pickleball tournaments, contact Gary Stewart at garystewart61@yahoo.com.