Aiken Pickleball News

Aiken Department of Public Safety Clinic

On Saturday, March 30th, a group of Aiken Department of Public Safety recruit officers attended a clinic that was arranged by Mo Garcia (district ambassador) and Karl Odenthal (ADPS). To kick off the event, some of our top local players (Josh Booth, Jim Hughes, Wojcieck Adamek, and Mo Garcia) played an exhibition game. This was followed by the presentation of paddles to the ADPS recruits. The recruits were given a demonstration of how to set up a net, then were joined on the court by various Aiken players for some lively games of pickleball.

Thanks to all involved for putting on this clinic, and to our local players for coming out to give their support. Some picutres are included below. To see more, click here.

Volunteers to Help with Website

We are looking for a volunteer (or possibly two or three) to help with the Aiken Pickleball website. This would involve writing articles for the website, updating the “Tournaments” page, and helping with the calendar. If you are interested, please e-mail info@aikenpickleball.com.

Proclamation for National Pickleball Month

The city of Aiken has issued a proclamation to recognize the month of April as National Pickleball Month in the City of Aiken. This was included on the March 25th City Council agenda. We would like to ithank everyone who attend the meeting to show the city that pickleball is here to stay and GROW!

Steve and Lisa Honored at the Social

Steve and Lisa Miner, who will soon be moving to Florida, were honored at the quarterly social on March 19th. We will miss their leadership, friendship, and support of the Aiken pickleball group.

Fun was had by the nearly 60 people at the social last night. Thanks again to Barb Burns and Pat Smith for the lovely spring deocrations and for organizing the event.

Aiken Department of Public Safety Pickleball Clinic

Mo Garcia has been working with Aiken Department of Public Safety's Karl Odenthal to arrange a series of pickleball clinics for a dozen of their police recruit officers. The young police recruits have embraced pickleball as part of their PE activity most mornings before heading to the police academy.

As USAPA district ambassador and a member of the Aiken Pickledillys, Mo has invited a group of these recruit officers, along with other members of Aiken Department of Public Safety, their families and friends, and PRT to a special pickleball clinic in support of this event. The event will be commemorated with the presentation of limited edition graphite pickleball paddles displaying the "Thin Blue Line with ADPS Shield" donated by Mo Power Sport, LLC.

The first of such clinics will be held on Saturday, March 30th from 09:00 am - 12:noon in Gym 1 at Odell Weeks and will be attended by 6-8 recruit officers.

To kick off the clinic we will have a brief demonstration of doubles and singles pickleball by some of Aiken's finest pickleball players. Immediately following the demonstrations, we will break out into mini-clinics, followed by open play to include ADPS members and family with members of the Aiken pickleball community. Everyone in our pickleball community is invited to attend this event and mix in to play with the guests of honor.