Fit For Life - Bringing Home the Gold

Today, Saturday, was the men's and woman's doubles competition in the Fit for Life Senior Games, played in Punta Gorda. Check in was at 8:00 am and the games began at 8:30. The facilities were great, four tennis courts converted into 8 pickleball courts. By 8:00 the sun was shining, and it was going to be a beautiful day.

Above - Dean and Bill compete in the men's 55-59 age division, and Louann and Nadine compete in the ladies 50-55 division. Bill and Dean and Roger and Rich practiced at the courts in Peace River for more than two hours the other night, working primarily on the third shot and the soft game. Bill and Dean......did a great job today, taking command in all of their games, setting the pace of the ball and the game. Fund to watch!

Pictured aboveis Roger and Dennis and Art. A few changes and a little mix-up in the draw today - but it all worked out. Buddy and Roger were originally going to play, but Buddy pulled a hamstring, and a calf muscle in the last tournament, so Dennis Rowland from down in Tanglewood filled in. We had Art all set to play in the 70+ age division, but a scheduling problem left him without a partner in that age bracket, so he played down to the 55-59 bracket. Had to play with all those young'ns, but he and his partner took one game in the consolation bracket 15-3!! Great Job!

Rich and Gary have played well all winter in all the games, taking the Gold Medal in all but one - where they had to settle for the Silver. Today they didn't lose any of their games, but the competition was not as tough as it has been in some of the other games. The two of them are so different on the court, both very competitive, but their personalities and play compliment each other. They are definately a team to be reconed with!

We left before the woman's competition was completed so not sure just where Louann and Nadine finished today. They were still playing when we left - so we knew that they had not yet been eliminated. As for the guys. Gold Medal to Dean and Bill!!! Gold Medal to Roger and Dennis!!!! Gold Medal to Rich and Gary!!!!!

And Margie........I know you'll be reading this... Thank you for the beautiful picture frame! I love it my friend! We will be following you through Alaska!