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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | FEBRUARY 2018 | 57 Pickleball Club Pickleball was first played on Bainbridge Island, Washington in the summer of 1965. It all began at the home of a former state representative, Joel Pritchard. In a few years, Mr. Pritchard would go on to Congress and later served as Washington's Lieutenant Governor, giving our game quite a pedigree. The Pritchards's dog, Pickles, was long thought to have been the source of the new sport's name. Joel's wife Joan scotched that rumor, explaining that they didn't acquire the pet until 1967 and he was, in fact, named for the game, not the other way around. Joan had been the innovator of the "pickle" in pickleball when she likened it, somewhat disparagingly, to the "pickle boats" of the area, the stragglers last to arrive with the day's catch, or the ragtag oarsmen in crew, assembled from the "leftovers." So, on the one hand, the game's origins stem from the creativity of a talented politician and his family and friends. On the other, it's name signaled modest or even woebegone beginnings. Take your pick. However the game developed it has become what Wikipedia calls "one of America's most popular growing sports among all ages." Even with an obscure and opaque name, those of us who have come to know and love the sport relish it! (Can you believe it's taken your scribe until February of 2018 to get that pun in?) We invite residents both veteran and recent to stop by the courts on our club-play mornings: 8 am Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays to check out the game. We have other play times during the week and can fill you in on the opportunities. Or call one of our esteemed officers: Royce Newman, President at 769-1103 or VP Nick Caputo at 255-7841. The game has features of tennis, badminton and ping pong. It is a perfect blend of action and strategy and caters to players of all skills and ages. So come out and get acquainted. See you on the courts!