TOURNAMENT FEATURE
RECORD TURNOUT
I
National Senior Games
in
Albuquerque
t was the longest and largest pickleball tournament ever
held for seniors.
From June 14 to June 26 in Albuquerque, New Mexico,
nearly 1,200 participants ranging from 50 to 92 years young
gathered to play in the 2019 National Senior Games National
Pickleball Tournament. The pickleball event was part of the
NSGA National Senior Games, which drew over 13,000 senior
athletes from all over the country.
Pickleball was broken down into two five-day sessions,
with players 50, 55 and 60 years old in the first session and
those 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90 years of age in the second
session. Outdoor courts were used for all age groups except
those 80 and older who played on indoor courts. Medals were
awarded for first, second and third place and ribbons for fourth
through eighth places.
Southwest Regional Director Larry Lite and his wife, Judy,
sponsored a welcome pizza party for players on practice days
for each session. Tournament Directors David Jordan and Tom
Burkhart of the USAPA coordinated the event, while the local
Albuquerque recreation department and its team of volunteers
helped keep the tournament running smoothly.
Tien Nguyen,
Gold Medalis
t
in Men's 50-5
4
4 Singles
Carrina De
Women's 50-5
Stacie Barron,
s,
le
Erica Gonza
ew
el
Buzby, Lori B
Vera, Veronica
Albuquerque Police Department Horse Mounted
Unit at the pickleball courts with David Jordan,
Adrienne Palacio and Nancy Jordan
70
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