2021 HUNTSMAN WORLD SENIOR GAMES
Of the 11,000 athletes , 1,024 were pickleball players from 30 states and two Canadian provinces .
By Alice Tym
PHOTOS BY ALICE TYM
The Huntsman World Senior Games ( HWSG ) staff sent out a notice that “ the time-out is over ,” and they made good on their promise . Over 11,000 athletes showed up to compete and the HWSG provided an outstanding opening ceremony , helpful volunteers at every venue , the usual free shuttle system , vendors , wonderful event directors , lots of sunshine , and the usual spectacular scenery and national parks of Utah .
There were 1,024 pickleball players from 30 states and two Canadian provinces . Because of pandemic restrictions , the number of Canadian participants in all the sports had been severely reduced . The pickleball tournament is played at two sites , Little Valley ( 24 courts ) and Sun River ( 14 courts ). David Jordan and Wayne Fackrell
were co-tournament directors and Little Valley directors while Bob Klarich and Ken Schoonover codirected operations at Sun River . These are unpaid volunteers , even though months of preparation are required . The trend in pickleball is toward tournaments for profit , and for directors seeking payment for their services . At the HWSG , the local pickleball club receives the rewards for the volunteer labor . It is a community effort .
This year , there were fewer refereed matches due to decisions made to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions . Court monitors were used unless a referee was requested . Players were divided into separate A , B , C , D , and E categories within age brackets . This meant more players on the medal stand . Some of the age groups had very large numbers . By dividing them into categories , the tournament did not have huge draws and play going long into the evening .
Different formats were used , and for the first time in Huntsman pickleball history there was a rain delay . The weather was cooler than usual on some mornings , but there was bright sun most of the time . Those of us who went hiking into the mountains even enjoyed a foot of snow !
HWSG is the favorite pickleball tournament among the seniors because it offers age categories , not skill — where the older players have to play much younger players . This year , Joyce Jones sparkled with Fred Eggan to win the 90-94 category , Brenda and Hank Winawer won gold in 80-89 , and Anne Harrington and Hank Palmer won silver .
The Huntsman Games recognizes its seniors by providing age