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Every major television network has been featuring pickleball of late, emphasizing the phenomenal growth of our sport. That growth is not just nationally but globally. August saw the first French Pickleball Tournament as just one recent example. The stories often focus on the accessibility of pickleball as it appeals to all ages and body-types. But one account caught our eye: ABC News and its Washington D.C. affiliate presented the story of Andy Leighton who has played the game for20 years but now acknowledges that in many ways it is saving his life. Andy and his wife have long played together and have been competitive at the national level. But a recent devastating diagnosis of Parkinson's disease nearly knocked this good man down. After brooding for only a few weeks, Andy realized that he could still play pickleball. Maybe not with as firm a hand as in the past, but he could still swing the paddle. In fact, he isn't just playing regularly, he and his wife have formed "Andy's Army" inspired by Arnie Palmer, to become a charity aimed at Parkinson's research. Just one more illustration of the life-changing impact our game is having. The French tournament is one of many hundreds of such competitions blossoming all over the map. In 2018, 400 US meets were held. That number had already been exceeded by May of 2019. The big event will, once again, be the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championship at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden from Nov. 2-10. Those of us who visited last fall found a warm welcome at a world-class court complex. Having such an opportunity so close to Banning makes an outing this year almost mandatory. Mark your calendars! The growth of pickleball is mirrored in Sun Lakes as our club welcomes new members every month. It is taxing our limited court space and we are having to get creative in scheduling play so that players of all skill levels have opportunity to learn and grow. Please bear with us as we seek to work with the Master Board to find solutions to truly over-crowded pickle courts. Judy Luna is our coordinator of afternoon and evening play. Give her a call at (949) 929-2390 to find the best slot for you. See you on the courts! | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | OCTOBER 2019 | 49 Pickleball Club Table Tennis/Ping Pong We play Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4 to 6 pm, and Sat., 10 am to 12 noon in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom (normally). Because the Ballroom is such a popular venue for so many varied events, our time slot sometimes gets canceled. Therefore if you are not a regular attendee please refer to the Sun Lakes website at sunlakescc.com and click on "Recreation" then click on "Classes," and finally click on "Table Tennis Group" for the current months up to date schedule. You can also check the Main Clubhouse events board across from the recreation desk or call the reception desk at "(951) 845-2191 for that days calendar. We have all skill levels currently participating and welcome all new comers. We have several newer quality tables, and all the equipment is provided free by the Sun Lakes Recreation Department. A fun way to exercise! Please come give us a try. There are no fees. Laced tennis shoes required - no exceptions! For info contact Bruno at (951) 797-0357