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e June 15 Heidi James Inspiration Games was a pickleball tournament done right from start to finish. Tournament directors John Pashkowsky and Royce Sheetz assembled an amazing team of talented volunteers to plan and carry out the women's doubles competition and its celebratory social. Hot pink tournaments shirts handed out at registration compliments of the James Family injected a joyous note to the tournament honoring Heidi's legacy. ere were 23 teams who each played five matches seeking a berth in the finals. In the end, Intermediates Alinda Giansiracusa and Julie Pashkowsky prevailed over Mary LaForte and Debbie Machnick 15 — 8 while Paige James and Cecilia Quinn battled to the Advanced division victory over Diane Bednarski and Lori Smith 15 — 11 in front of an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd at the Pavilion Courts. Heidi would have loved it! Lots of birdies in the air at the Clubhouse courts on Tuesday aernoons – a sight to see! Badminton has returned for the summer under the direction of club members, Cliff Singh and assistants Kannan Dan and Babu Patrose. It's a seasonal sport managed by the Racquet Club on behalf of the Recreation Department; all residents are welcome, and they may bring an adult guest to join them on the court during the once-weekly playing time. Equipment is provided, so put on some athletic shoes and come ready to have some fun! Check the Recreation Department calendar or our website for details. e free tennis clinics offered by part-time resident teaching pro, Greg Smith, have concluded, so residents interested in getting back to tennis can do so by reaching out to the several groups who play regularly and oen need subs or by dropping by the courts when games are underway. An "active players" list is posted on the website for those who want to make connections. Pickleball probably has 300 active players, so it's not really hard to get involved. Morning drop-in is the fastest way to start meeting others and find those whose skill set is similar to your own. Free beginner lessons are offered throughout the year, so there's really no excuse for not giving it a try. We love to play outdoors! On the horizon for Racquet Club members: Pickleball Dinking Contest Aug. 19, Cornhole Games on Wednesdays throughout September, and Game Day II on Oct. 1. It's never too late to join the Racquet Club… just for the fun of it! Contact our Help Desk at ohrchelp@gmail.com with your questions and requests. 48 | OHCC LIVING | AUGUST 2023 | Racquet Club Graeme Hutton, Terrel Campbell, & Claire Hutton focus on improving their game Capturing 2023 Advanced women's pickleball honors are Cecilia Quinn and Paige James Julie Pashkowsky and Alinda Giansiracusa are 2023 Intermediate women's champions