By Stu Upson
USA PICKLEBALL CEO
Monday , March 28 , was one of the most memorable days of my professional career . Why ? Because I was on Bainbridge Island , Washington , for the signing of bill SB 5615 by Washington Governor Jay Inslee designating pickleball as the official state sport . This bill signing ceremony was even more special as it took place on the original court where the game was invented over 55 years ago by Barney McCallum , Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell , and some of their family members were there to witness the occasion .
After the bill signing ceremony , the festivities moved to Battle Point Park , a wonderful new facility , for speeches and lots of fun play out on the courts , organized by the Bainbridge Island Pickleball Club . The weather cleared and with the courts packed with players and spectators to celebrate this monumental day , we couldn ’ t have felt more welcome . The large turnout , which included many dedicated USA Pickleball volunteers , included people of all ages who were there to enjoy the experience and pay tribute to the origins of the sport .
I have been very fortunate over the years to have worked in several sports organizations ( baseball , bowling , auto racing , tennis ) and been witness to a variety of great moments , but that day on Bainbridge Island , on the hallowed ground where pickleball was born , truly resonated with me because it celebrated the history of our game . As pickleball becomes more popular and evolves into a mainstream sport in the U . S . and around the world , it is vitally important that we never lose sight of the people and stories behind what makes the game great . As long as we continue to recognize and adhere to the values of the game ( fun , fair , social , inclusive ) intended by its founders , pickleball will continue to thrive .
The unique culture of pickleball was on full display that day on Bainbridge Island , and it made me proud and thankful to be part of the pickleball community . •
MAY / JUNE 2022 | MAGAZINE 11