Athens picklers host 2nd annual Picklefest
Sep. 27—The Athens Alabama Pickleball Association hosted the 2nd Annual Picklefest Pickleball Tournament last weekend, Sept. 22-24, at the Athens Sportsplex. The three-day event welcomed more than 230 players from five different states.
The Athens Alabama Pickleball Association presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to assist with future expenses in helping build the community's pickleball program.
"That little small group of people, it started with about 20 people, is now about 200 or more," Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said. "It's a great program and it's one of the fastest growing sports in the United States."
According to the 2023 Picklefest Chair Jennifer Bridges, the Athens Alabama Pickleball Association has grown to around 300 members and they are excited about introducing more to the sport of pickleball.
"We believe we are improving health in the community with pickleball. Everyone has their own story about what pickleball means to them. The ages that go with us go from teens to 80 years old," Bridges said.
Bridges hopes to grow visibility to the sport in Athens-Limestone. The AAPA hosts open play where newcomers can come use the association's equipment — including balls and paddles — and learn the game.
For more information on dates and times of open play, visit Athens Alabama Pickleball Association on Facebook.
