Annapolis Mayor Names New Pickleball Ambassador

ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Not everyone is familiar with the fun that surrounds pickleball. In fact, some consider it to be one of the fastest growing sports in America. It incorporates aspects of tennis, table tennis and badminton to become its very own sport. It's also something that Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley enjoys playing at the "Pip" Moyer Recreation Center.

Because of his interest in this sport, Buckley has decided to name Annapolis resident Sara Aiken as the city's new "Ambassador of Pickleball." They have huge aspirations for this sport in Annapolis.

“I know I try to get everyone I know interested in playing,” Buckley said in a press release. “But when it comes to recruiting people and cheerleading the sport, nobody comes close to doing what Sara does.”

Aiken learned the game in the Bahamas in 2015. By 2016, she had launched Eastport Pickleball. In addition to being a trained instructor, Annapolis Pickleball Club member, tournament director and U.S. Open competitor, she also is the USA Pickleball Association Ambassador to the City of Annapolis.

“Being named an Ambassador for the City is an honor,” Aiken said in a press release. “This designation makes it easier to advocate in the sport and for showcasing the economic importance and health advantages of the game.”

The city has received revenue from tournament play of more than $3,250. Aiken hopes to get the City of Annapolis recognized as the Pickleball Capital of the Mid-Atlantic. In August, Aiken will travel to France to play in the Pickleball French Open. Later in the year, she will lead a group of players across Ireland visiting Pickleball clubs on the Emerald Isle.