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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | NOVEMBER 2021 | | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | NOVEMBER 2021 | 59 59 Next month is the biggest event in the national pickleball calendar, and it occurs in our backyard. Once again the remarkable tennis complex at Indian Wells plays host to the American Pickleball Association's 2021 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships. The tournament begins on Dec. 6 and wraps up on Dec. 14 at the Tennis Garden. It has been two years since this grand gathering of amateurs and pros alike took place. Lord willing, Covid will not affect this tourney as it did last year. Our community has a wonderful opportunity to see the best of the best in action. Many of the other big matches occur in faraway Florida where pickleball continues to dominate the country club scene. California and Arizona are certainly challenging for preeminence in the fastest- growing sport in the world. Indian Wells is a prime example of the national leadership looking westward as pickle explodes.Speaking of the global increase in popularity, our neighbor to the south, Mexico, is a recent hot spot for the game. Taking the lead in Latin America, Mexico has launched the Liga Professional de Pickleball Mexico, becoming the seventh nation to join the international federation. The LPPM has embarked on Project Mexico to spread pickleball by installing courts in 2,446 municipalities in 31 states. These venues will join the many country clubs, resorts and private properties that have already embraced the sport. On their Independence Day, Sept. 16, their first national tournament was held in Queretaro. As border crossings become more relaxed, Sun Lakers who venture up to British Columbia might check out a new facility in the picturesque town of Vernon. This community has recently built the largest enclosed, pickleball-dedicated complex in Canada. It offers 12 courts in the Okanagan Valley. With golf courses and ski resorts, the new all- weather pickleball center serves visitors no matter the season. The final stop on our international tour takes us to merry old England. British seniors vacationing in Florida took pickleball back home. Currently the average age of participants is 59. Pickleball England is seeking to lower that stat by attracting young ones to the game. Karen Mitchell, director, reports they are spreading the joy of pickle to 20 and 30-somethings as well as kids. A recent event to introduce the game to locals and a mini-United Nations of folks from Slovakia, Spain, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Ireland and Gran Canaria so it looks like there will be more countries on board soon. See you on the courts! Pickleball Club POP Tennis Our next POP event will be the POP Christmas Party on Dec. 4 at the South Clubhouse. Hi again. First of all we want to thank all the people that stopped by our table and inquired with various questions during Activities Day. Also we want to thank the following members of our group that took turns at our table greeting those that stopped. These members were Gary Lile, Dr. Jon Williams, Annette Kammien,Valerie Villarreal and of course our group leader Roland Lau. For November and December, check your schedule before coming to a normally scheduled play time. Many dates were canceled or times changed as we are going into the time of year when the Ballroom is used for clubs, groups and districts special events. These include multi-night performances,plays and musicals. Also holiday gatherings in December are plentiful. Lastly, our Christmas party will be held on Sun., Dec. 12 at the South Clubhouse. Details were sent out in an email earlier this month, and can be obtained at M/W/F/Sat. play. Normally 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 month's up-to-date schedule. You can also check the Main Clubhouse events board across from the reception desk or call (951) 845-2191 for that day's calendar. We have all skill levels currently participating and welcome all newcomers. 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 Roland at (951) 769-3978. Table Tennis/Ping Pong

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