There were plenty of smiles and lots of spirited action when members of the Yamba Pickleball Team competed at the 2022 Pan Pacific Masters Games at Currumbin on the Gold Coast earlier this month.

Demonstrating their skill, precision, and their love for the sport, a contingent of eight players formed four teams and took to the courts in the Women’s Doubles and Level 2.5 and below matches.

Two teams were successful in winning medals.

Brenda Salisbury and Kerry Hulm won silver, while Joy Williams and Rita Gaul took bronze in their respective age divisions.

Members of the Yamba Pickleball Team said the games were played in good spirit, and everyone had a great time.

Invented in the 1960s by three men who wanted to create a new game for their children to play, pickleball is a mixture of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, and is played with a paddle and a small plastic ball with holes.

Competitors can play singles or doubles matches, and the rules of the game follow those of its influencing sports.

Members of the Yamba Pickleball Team have been playing together for the past three years.

Established team member Bev Mansfield said pickleball is the fastest growing sport in Australia, and one that can be enjoyed by participants of all ages.

Anyone wishing to play pickleball is invited to contact the Raymond Laurie Sports Centre on 6646 8822 for more information.