REGIONAL
matters
Wounded Veterans Compete in Pickleball
Exhibition at Nellis AFB
ver 150 wounded Air Force men and
women from around the country gathered
at Nellis Air Force Base in southern
Nevada for competitive sporting events—
power lifting, cycling, wheelchair rugby,
swimming, shooting, rowing, track & field, archery,
wheelchair basketball, and sitting volleyball—in
preparation for and selection to represent Team Air
Force in the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games
that will take place in June in Tampa, Florida.
A group of USAPA Ambassadors and pickleball
volunteers were on hand to demonstrate the sport to
these courageous vets and aspiring athletes. It turned
out to be an experience of a lifetime for so many.
Many of the Warriors had never picked up a pickleball
paddle and, after a few rallies, simply loved the sport.
The numerous volunteers who gave their time and
energy to help out at this very special event and who
taught the finer points of the game were heart-struck
by the impact the sport of pickleball had on all who
participated.
Pickleball volunteers also participated in the AFW2
CARE Fair at the local Westin Hotel. Paddles and
balls donated by Pickleball, Inc., Onix, Paddletek, and
Engage were distributed to Warrior attendees in a
random drawing. It was a truly rewarding and enriching
experience for everyone involved!
The USAPA
Congratulates Recently
Certified REFEREES
Diane Ahern
Peter Clapham
Paul Donohoe
Jack Feinberg
Ron Jenkins
Tom Kendrick
Dawn Oaks
Ron Ponder
Alan Roemen
Larry Scott
Julia Scott
Leslie Shaughnessy
Brian Sribney
Robert Swisshelm
Char Thompson
Dennis Tomkinson
Thomas Whitson
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