Second annual Villages Pickleball Championship set for next two weeks

By DAISY MOON, DAILY SUN

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 7:43 AM EDT

THE VILLAGES — Bill Freeman participates in a variety of activities in The Villages. This week, one of those pursuits will take top priority.

The Village of Piedmont resident will join numerous other athletes for the men’s doubles tournament during the second annual Villages Pickleball Championship to be Thursday and Friday at Lake Miona Recreation Center.

This pickleball pundit is prepared to take on the competition. During last year’s championship, he and his pickleball partners won both men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

However, while Freeman works hard to excel, he said it isn’t just about the winning.

“You want to win,” Freeman said. “But it’s a lot of fun to be out with the other players.”

A six-year pickleball veteran, Freeman knows his game; he competes in many pickleball competitions held here and throughout the state, as well as in Arizona.

His constant activity reflects The Villages lifestyle, he said.

“I think this is an active community,” Freeman said, explaining The Villages’ reputation for being so energetic is the main reason why people move to Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.

“It keeps you young,” he said with a smile.

Freeman’s two-man team will be one of 16 teams competing in men’s doubles play. Nine teams are registered for women’s doubles.

Next week, Freeman will compete in mixed doubles.

According to avid pickleball competitor Tom Nonnemacher, credited with proposing the idea for The Villages Pickleball Championship, the 2009 games will showcase some strong competition.

“It’s getting tougher each year,” the Village of Liberty Park resident said. “I think all the tournaments are going to be good this year.”

Following men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles will be held at 7:30 a.m. June 18-19 at Bacall Recreation Center.

For more information, call Lynda Feustel at 430-2950.

Daisy Moon is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9067, or daisy.moon

@thevillagesmedia.com.