It’s Finally Official: Pickleball is Washington State’s ‘Official’ Sport!
Senate Bill 5615 passed both the House and the Senate today, recognizing Pickleball as Washington’s official state sport.
The signing of the bill will take place at the original first court, on March 28, 2022 here on Bainbridge Island. A reception will follow at the Founders Courts at Battle Point Park at 4:00pm on the 28th. Everyone is invited to join in the reception and festivities.
“This is a very big deal!! Governor Jay Inslee, Senator John Lovick, the bill’s sponsor, and Stu Upson, CEO of USA Pickleball Association will be in attendance,” says Clay Roberts, a spokesman for the more than 400 Bainbridge Island Pickleball players. “We are also expecting some Pickleball Hall of Famers and members of the three founders’ families to be in attendance.”
The Bainbridge Island Pickleballers have a fun afternoon planned, including an opportunity to play with the dignitaries and celebrities (if the weather cooperates).
Pickleball was started by three Bainbridge Island friends and their families in the summer of 1965. The first court is still intact and located on Pleasant Beach Drive on the island’s south end. Meanwhile, the sport, supposedly named after someone’s pet Poodle, has gone international with some 4 million people playing worldwide.
Come celebrate and show your gratitude and support – Bring the whole family – Bring your friends – And bring your paddle!
Read more here: https://theislandwanderer.com/pickleball-to-be-touted-as-the-official-sport-of-washington-state/
To learn more about the history of Pickleball, check out our earlier articles: Born on Bainbridge Island – Pickleball is for Everyone! | THE ISLAND WANDERER and Born on Bainbridge Island Part II – Pickleball Founders’ Court Groundbreaking Ceremony | THE ISLAND WANDERER
*Information provided by Clay Roberts, Bainbridge Island Pickleball spokesman
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