AAU & USAPA
BY JUSTIN MALOOF, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
G
rowing the game of pickleball and enhancing the
brand is at the forefront of USAPA’s mission, and
nowhere was that a better fit than at the 51st annual AAU
Junior Olympic Games, July 26 - August 5.
The Amateur Athletic Union held its multi-sport
extravaganza, the largest of its kind in the country for
young athletes ages 12 through 18, at numerous venues
throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. Pickleball joined
sport stackers, gymnasts, wrestlers and trampoline artists
among other competitors in Novi, Michigan.
Special thanks to District Ambassador Chuck Dominick
as he recruited a group of area ambassadors and local club
volunteers to help coordinate the three-day pickleball
exhibition at the Suburban Collection Showplace. A big
shout-out also to Paddletek and Pickleball Central for
providing the equipment that was always in use from event
opening to closing.
USAPA lined four pickleball courts that were ready for
play in less than two hours! USAPA board members David
Jordan, Laura Patterson, CJ Jermstad and Ray Pereyra
were also on hand assisting with the event. Collectively,
USAPA certainly appreciated the opportunity to showcase
the sport of pickleball at the AAU Junior Olympic Games
and the excitement that our sport generates, especially
amongst the youth and AAU staff, was clearly evident at
the event.
USAPA and AAU are currently in discussions on the
development of co-branded nationwide leagues and
pickleball programs for both youth and adults. Stay tuned
for more information on this exciting new venture! •
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THE UL ICKLEBALL
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www.usapajuniors.org
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