We all had an absolute blast at our Quadrennial Olympickles! The fun, the laughter, the friendly pickle rivalries—what a smashing time! Now, we have to wait another four years for the next one… sigh 😢
A huge congratulations to the African continent for sweeping the podium! Gold goes to Kenya, Silver to South Africa, and Bronze to Egypt. You guys are the pickle champions! 🥇🥈🥉
Until next time, pickle pals! 🥒🎉
The excitement is building for our very own “Olympickles” event on Saturday, 3rd August. Join us at 8.40 AM to celebrate the Olympic spirit with pickleball! Although pickleball’s earliest possible inclusion in the Olympic Games is 2032, we’ve created our own Olympic experience now 🙂
Dress Code
Wear a mix of bright, Olympic ring colours i.e. blue, yellow, black, green and red. Please wear at least two different colours, but preferably all five. The best dressed person will receive $50 OpenSports credit.
Event Schedule
- Please arrive by 8:40 AM and check your name off the list on the table.
- Help to set up the nets.
- 9 AM – Welcome and last minute instructions.
- Quick group photo.
- Pool organisers read out first round matches and court allocations.
- Warm up for 5 minutes (the people who have a bye in the first round must be allowed to warm up for a few minutes at the start of the second round).
- Play commences (see details below). If you didn’t make the semi-finals, we ask you to stay and cheer on those who did.
- Medal ceremony.
- Nibbles and drinks. Please wait until after the medal ceremony has concluded.
Match Format
– There will be 2 pools (A & B) with 7 teams each.
– 6 matches will be played, with each team having one bye (7 rounds).
– Each match will be one game, first to 11 points.
– The two top teams in each pool will be determined by the number of games won, and in the event of a tie, by the number of points won.
Semi Finals
– Winners of Pool A vs. Runners up of Pool B (referee scores and watches the kitchen line for serve and foot faults)
– Runners up of Pool A vs. Winners of Pool B (referee scores and watches the kitchen line for serve and foot faults)
Finals
– Winners of semi finals play for Gold and Silver (referee scores and watches the kitchen line for serve and foot faults)
– Losers of semi finals play for Bronze (referee scores and watches the kitchen line for serve and foot faults)
Teams
Rules
The usual rules apply PLUS:
- If the ball hits the overhanging basketball nets, replay the point.
- Also, please avoid consistently targeting the weaker player, as this leaves the stronger players out of the rallies and diminishes the enjoyment for everyone.
Prizes
Gold medallists will receive a limited edition Six Zero Double Black Diamond (16mm) paddle in Aussie green and gold colors. Silver medallists will receive a special pickleball bag, and Bronze medallists will receive OpenSports credit to the value of $25. The cost of these prizes is covered by the commission we receive from the sale of the highly sought-after, Aussie brand Six Zero paddles.
Olympicnic
After the presentation, we’d love you to stay for some social nibbles and drinks. Please bring a small plate of finger food, a chair or blanket and your own drinks. If you have a small, foldable table, please bring that too.
Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday!
