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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | APRIL 2018 | 61 Pickleball Club As I write this, we're still in what passes for winter in Sun Lakes. Some bold club members even braved the few flakes of snow that drifted onto the courts. The word on the street is that Pickleball may become the next sport added to the Winter Olympics and we just want to be ready! Ah, but now that April is here, we can put all that cold-weather gear in the closet and enjoy the mild temps and fresh spring days that remind us of why we moved here. The club is thriving, our membership growing and players find more and more occasions to compete, either here or in neighboring venues. With spring upon us, summer can't be far behind. That will bring the party season for picklers! Any who have lagged in renewing membership are admonished to take care of that detail so you can benefit from the discount we offer at our social gatherings, always the highlight of the season. In pickleball news of late, our national organization is working hard to introduce the game to youngsters. An "ambassador for education" has been named for the Southwest region and he has been meeting with phys ed teachers in Arizona to help get students in middle, high school and community colleges into pickle. Soon, what was once an "old folks" game may see your grandkids recruiting you! Why not get ahead of the curve and come on out to learn what pickleball is all about? Another encouragement comes from Pulmonologist Chris Kelley who relates his introduction to pickleball in 2011 in Bend, OR. He couldn't take this "quirky little game" seriously, what with its "absurd name and high-pitched plinking sounds from every shot." But soon he loved it and, more importantly, began to get his patients to play, markedly improving their lung capacity. Dr. Kelley is now the Critical Care Specialist with the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage and the local Ambassador for our sport. We play at the Sun Lakes courts every Monday/Wednesday/ Saturday mornings at 8 am. Call our officers for other opportunities: Royce Newman, President at 769-1103 or VP Nick Caputo at 255- 7841. Royce and Nick will also be glad to steer you to beginners' clinics as well. We always have equipment to lend. See you on the courts!