Champaign pickleball tournament focuses on fitness, fun and connection

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND)- Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and people in Champaign hit the courts Sunday to see who is the best during a tournament inside the Leonard Center.

"This provides a fun environment for people to come and get together and see each other and move their bodies and be competitive," said Justice Miller, the sports director of the Champaign Park District.

The park district has hosted pickleball tournaments for the past three years. This weekend's tournament had 105 participants, which is close to their outdoor pickleball numbers.

"It's popular just because anybody can do it. You know, it's a low impact sport, so it doesn't matter your age, gender or size," Miller said. "Anybody can play, and anybody can be good."

Tournament referee Don Block has been playing pickleball for 10 years. He and his friends play three to four times a week with the goal of staying active and socializing.

"I think it builds bridges. You know, as things come up or whatever happens, you've got some relationships you can fall back on, or you can get somebody else's perspective that's not the same as yours to see what they're feeling and vice versa," Block said.

The winner of the tournament gets a medal and bragging rights. If you are interested in playing pickleball, the Champaign Park District has beginner classes. You can learn more on their website.

Springfield HS basketball coach suspended 2 games by IHSA for violating rules

Macon County group plans Decatur protest over Minneapolis ICE shooting

Man killed in Springfield shooting identified