The Northern Rivers Pickleball Club hosted the Regional Doubles Tournament in Ballina that included over 160 players competing for 132 medals in late November.
There were 22 doubles events held for players of all skills and all ages, which ranged from 16 to 79-year-olds.
Players came from interstate to compete, including Yeppoon in the north and Hobart in the south.
Players from the Northern Rivers club achieved a total medal count of 49 across the two days, including 21 golds.
The winners of the Open Mens event were local young guns Thomas Kean and Tam Forsyth.
The Open Womens event was retained by local holders Roberta O’Brien and Kim Pickering.
Both Zoe Patino (Wyrallah) and Terry Jansen (Ashby) achieved the double, taking home golds in both their respective events.
‘We were fortunate to have some great players come and compete in our open events and also lots of novice players entering their first event. This really is the spirit of pickleball, which is inclusive for all members of the community,’ tournament director Brian Alston said.
The club is already planning next year’s event.
The Northern Rivers Pickleball Club now boasts a membership of 180 with regular play at venues including the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre, Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre, and at Byron Bay’s Cavanbah Centre. See www.nrpickleball.net.au
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