5th Annual Junior Paddle Jamboree

Chris Mullin
November 5, 2012
Winnetka, IL

On, Sunday, October 28th, the Winnetka Parks District in the Chicago area hosted the 5th Annual Junior Jamboree. Over 45 juniors from throughout the area came to learn basic skills, bone up on the history and evolution of the game, and to play the best outdoor winter activity going. Six local PPTA pros—Chris Mullin, Peter Berka, Matt McClure, Eric Moran, Alan Graham, and Kasey Grohs—were on hand to run drills and make sure the kids had a great time. The players were put into groups and did a rotation (about15 minutes) with each pro.

Drills were followed by a "hit it to win it" contest where prizes were placed on the opposite side from the players and when they hit the prize, they won it! Prizes were provided by pros and volunteers, and included paddle mitts, overgrips, water bottles, paddle backpacks, and racquets. The day ended in the warming hut with a pizza party.

The pros were not only gracious enough to donate their time but many donated items towards the raffle so that no kid left empty handed. Proceeds from the event were given to The Children’s Hospital at Lutheran General. This event was a great way to kick off the 2012-2013 Junior paddle season!