In 2017, a new pickleball association is forming to provide services to super seniors competing in tournaments across the country and around the globe. The new organization is called SSIPA (Super Senior International Pickleball Association). Super Seniors are players falling in the four age groups recognized by the USA Pickleball Association for players 65 and over (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+). The idea resulted from players in these age groups often being placed in competition with much younger competitors.
In 2017, the association will be providing a tournament circuit for the 65+ age group across the US, with international tournaments in Canada and Spain. Tournaments will be located in California, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. The circuit will conclude with a championship event in Arizona just prior to USAPA Nationals. Robson Ranch will be the host site for the Texas tournament. The championship tournament is being scheduled for Robson Ranch, Casa Grande, Arizona.
SSIPA founder is Ford Roberson, current president of RRDPC. Board members include Vice-President, Tim Kuss, Colorado; Secretary, Marc Reinhart, Colorado; Treasurer, Fred Thompson, Robson Ranch, Texas; International Liaison Coordinator, Alice Tym, Tennessee; Tournament Coordinator, Winnie Montgomery, Arkansas; Tournament Logistics Coordinator, Vickie Noakes, Oklahoma. This group has a Facebook presence at Super Seniors International Pickleball Association. To keep informed of the association’s progress and tournament schedule, just join the group on Facebook.