Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Mackay ‘Pickleballers’ Shine In Townsville Games

It was history in the making for Mackay “Pickleballers” after taking the huge step to compete in the first Pickleball Tournament at the North Qld Games held in Townsville recently. The Games consist of 43 varying codes of sport, catering to 4,500 competitors. The Pickleball players travelled from The Burdekin, Charters Towers, Malanda, Mooloolaba, Tully, Mission Beach, Hinchinbrook, Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay.

It was the first away competition for the Mackay team, so to come home with an impressive four gold and two silver medals was beyond anyone's expectation. It was a fantastic effort for these Mackayites who were considered “newbies” to the game.  

Among the medallists were Toni Woolcock and Heather Hayes who won gold in the women’s doubles, Toni Woolcock and Rob Vella who won gold in the mixed doubles, and Rob Vella and Joe Parrotta who won silver in the men’s doubles division.  

Also, big congratulations go to Gigi Brake, Liz Parrotta, Michelle Sheehan, and Greg Wilson who made it into the finals and put on a great display of Pickleball.

We are so proud of our winners and everyone who made the effort of support by making the trip.

Pickleball can be a low-impact sport that is easy to learn and play at almost any age—it is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis; this sport for life is regularly described as the fastest growing sport worldwide. The game was first introduced to Australia in 2015 by a small group of NSW enthusiasts, consequently, playing groups have formed in every state and territory in Australia with links to Pickleball communities in the U.S. and Canada. Tournaments are held frequently throughout the country bringing together fierce competition between state champions.

If you are looking for a new social and fun activity and have a bit of a giggle, Pickleball is definitely it. Locally, you will find Pickleball being played at Mackay PCYC’s indoor basketball stadium twice a week, Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 7pm and Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm. It is being offered free of charge for your first trial and we will provide a ‘paddle’ to get you going.

A word of warning though, for those willing to give this sport a bit of a whack: it’s totally addictive!  

Contributed by Michelle Sheehan

Pickleball Gold medallists Heather Hayes and Toni Woolcock at the North Queensland Games. Photos supplied

Silver medallists Rob Vella and Joe Parrotta

Toni Woolcock and Rob Vella won gold in the mixed doubles

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