Well, it’s official. The Third Annual Oregon Senior Games Pickleball Tournament is in the record books. What a great experience for the Bend Pickleball Club and the Bend community. Having sixteen beautiful courts and such a beautiful view of the Cascades is a real bonus.
Once again, it was my pleasure to be part of the amazing group of people that worked together on the tournament. Without the tireless efforts of the many members of our pickleball team the tournament could not have been possible.
This year we had approximately 201 participants in the tournament. The referees officiated over 300 matches. Senior pickleball players were awarded 138 medals over the three day event.
A special thanks to the folks that were in charge of the various committees. The volunteering amongst each group was impressive. We easily had over one hundred people helping in some capacity and refereeing this year.
Terry Brown led the facility and maintenance crew. The preparation prior to the tournament was invaluable. If it was water, ice, the PA system, TV monitors, tents, banners, the American Flag, tables or chairs the set up crew was probably helping or doing it. Everything just looked great and ran smoothly. Yes, I have said this every year because it’s just a fact. This group is awesome.
Kathy Foster was amazing as she coordinated ALL the volunteers for food, first aid, goodie bags, the raffles, and the check in desk. This group was very important for the overall smooth operations of many critical needs so the participants felt welcomed and cared for. The USAPA membership table, the information table, and lost and found were all very helpful stations. Again the BPC t-shirts, hats and visors were available for all to purchase. The folks that volunteered for first aid may have been a little bored because, I believe, we had only one minor injury. I like it when the first aid team is bored.
The terrific tech crew was lead by Co-Director Kirk Foster. The process for getting players on the courts, preparing the referee scoring sheets, and keeping the brackets straight was so well done. I’m always amazed at how his crew works through their many tasks. They even keep track of me when necessary.
aj and Irene Fraties ran the referee desk. Again, the early preparedness of this group was a huge help. Irene’s referee classes and the officials that practiced prior to the tournament was an essential component to the success we had each day. Several people put in numerous hours on the courts refereeing match after match! The new efficiency model with the runners, the referee flags, and the lines teams had us finishing early all three days. Thank you so much!
Once again Kathy Foster came through, as she was our official photographer. She tirelessly took pictures all three days. The medal winners, players and spectators were all photographed by Kathy. Kirk will be putting up an album of photos on the web soon.
We can’t forget to thank Visit Bend and our major sponsors for the Oregon Senior Games, Humana and Bend Memorial Clinic. The medals, the shirts and goodie bags are all appreciated. Beaver Coach provided the fabulous meal at Riverbend Park Saturday evening. Selkirk Sports, Paddletex Paddles, Pickleball Central, All About Pickleball, Encore Paddles, pickleball dawg, Player’s Racquet Shop, Pro-Lite Paddles, Fabri-Katie, and EHT-Nerium Supplements all had an appreciated presence at the tournament this year.
The addition of the NJROTIC Cadets from Mt. View High School and the beautiful singing of the National Anthem by Christy Hunter was an added touch of patriotism Saturday and Sunday. Eastside Longboard Louie’s and the NJROTC Cadets were our food vendors this year and they provided delicious lunch choices for us.
Last but not least, to all who volunteered in any capacity, thank you for your collective love of pickleball. What a wonderful group of people you are to work with.
I hope to see you on the courts soon.
Christie Gestvang
2016 OSG Pickleball
Co-Director
