SPORTS
For Fizer, the mission goes beyond the action on the courts. “It’s the fellowship and everyone coming together to have a good time in these trying times in our society,” he said. “And it’s getting people here in Maricopa understanding they’ve got a place to play. The game is good exercise, and we want to have the people of Maricopa more involved.” Fizer started the Wednesday night events, dubbed the Copa Spectacular, for just that reason. With snowbirds making their yearly migration back to town soon, Copa Classic round-robins and competitive tournaments will take place on selected Saturdays. A mixed doubles competition held in April was the first official tourney in the city, attracting local players and others from Casa Grande, Gilbert and Tempe. “That last tournament was just a starter,” he said. “I play in different towns and cities in the area to promote what we’re doing here. Pickleball is growing in Maricopa the way the city has grown the last 20 years.”
Where Every Child Is Known
Pickleball, which combines facets of tennis, badminton and ping- pong, is played on a court about a quarter of the size of a tennis court. Players hit a hollow, perforated plastic ball with paddles to score points in singles or doubles games.
see newcomers warmly welcomed by the more experienced pickleballers. “It really does get me excited. I had so much support when I learned how to play,” Fizer said. “I just want to pay it forward.”
He is the creator, organizer and enthusiastic cheerleader for the round-robin tournaments in his adopted hometown. While the competition among the higher-level players can be intense, Fizer is even more pleased to
bodeen911@gmail.com (Jeffrey Fizer)
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October 2023 | InMaricopa.com
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InMaricopa.com | October 2023
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