Pickleball has emerged as a popular sport in recent years, but it has a long history within the Florida Senior Games. This event, established over 30 years ago, aims to promote a healthy lifestyle. Among the 2,500 athletes competing, there is a remarkable mother-daughter duo. Jimmie Stokes, 82 years old, transitioned from tennis to pickleball when the court became too large. She emphasizes the importance of staying active and not sitting idle. "The most important thing is to keep going, get out there and run around because then you aren’t sitting in a chair. Once you sit down, I think you tend to kind of disintegrate."

Florida Senior Games in Pasco County

This is the third consecutive year that the Florida Senior Games have been held in Pasco County. Athletes aged 50 and above have a wide range of sports to choose from. Nick Gandy, the Sports Information Director, notes that the competing athletes stay in hotels, visit local stores and restaurants, and explore the community once they are done. "The athletes competing stay in hotels, visit the stores and restaurants. Once they are done here, they get out and explore the community. We have athletes come from all over the state."

Pickleball's Place in the Games

Pickleball has become an integral part of the Florida Senior Games. It offers a great opportunity for older adults to stay active and have fun. Jimmie Stokes' story is just one example of how pickleball has brought people together. "Pickleball may be a more recent sensation for many people, but it’s been part of the Florida Senior Games for two decades." It provides a social environment where athletes can bond and enjoy the sport.

Different Styles of Play

Jimmie Stokes and her daughter Terri Tracy are both part of the games. Although they won't be competing directly against each other, they complement each other's playing styles. Stokes says, "The younger one is the better one, but her mother taught her." Tracy adds, "She has better control and technique. I’m a little faster, but she beats me sometimes." This shows the diversity of skills and experiences within the senior athlete community.

Medals and Achievements

Over the next couple of weeks, there will be a plethora of medals being handed out. The Florida Senior Games provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and compete for recognition. It's not just about winning medals; it's about the sense of accomplishment and the joy of participating. "There are lots of medals getting handed out over the next couple of weeks."

Trinity's New Development Project

A new development project in Trinity is massive, spanning across 800 acres. When word got out, some residents were not happy. Developers propose this huge new project, leaving some residents feeling uneasy. "A new development project in Trinity is massive, spanning across 800 acres—and once word got out, some residents were not happy." It highlights the impact that such projects can have on local communities and the need for careful consideration.