Pickleball Magazine 2-5 | Page 10

AAU & USAPA BY JUSTIN MALOOF, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR G rowing the game of pickleball and enhancing the brand is at the forefront of USAPA’s mission, and nowhere was that a better fit than at the 51st annual AAU Junior Olympic Games, July 26 - August 5. The Amateur Athletic Union held its multi-sport extravaganza, the largest of its kind in the country for young athletes ages 12 through 18, at numerous venues throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. Pickleball joined sport stackers, gymnasts, wrestlers and trampoline artists among other competitors in Novi, Michigan. Special thanks to District Ambassador Chuck Dominick as he recruited a group of area ambassadors and local club volunteers to help coordinate the three-day pickleball exhibition at the Suburban Collection Showplace. A big shout-out also to Paddletek and Pickleball Central for providing the equipment that was always in use from event opening to closing. USAPA lined four pickleball courts that were ready for play in less than two hours! USAPA board members David Jordan, Laura Patterson, CJ Jermstad and Ray Pereyra were also on hand assisting with the event. Collectively, USAPA certainly appreciated the opportunity to showcase the sport of pickleball at the AAU Junior Olympic Games and the excitement that our sport generates, especially amongst the youth and AAU staff, was clearly evident at the event. USAPA and AAU are currently in discussions on the development of co-branded nationwide leagues and pickleball programs for both youth and adults. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new venture!  • E T A M I T THE UL ICKLEBALL KIDS P Fix www.usapajuniors.org 8 TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM