THATCHER — The Duel in the Gila Valley is coming.
Pickleball is America’s hot new sport for the whole family and a tournament will take place next week.
“It’s a combination between tennis, racquet ball and ping pong,” said organizer Valerie Michaud. “It (uses) a waffle ball and it’s a shorter course.”
Minimum age for the tournament is 8 and play will take place in six divisions — men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles and a junior round-robin. There are more than $500 in prizes donated by local sponsors.
Registration cost is $35 until April 11 at pickleballtournament.com.
The tournament will take place April 15-17 at Thatcher High School tennis courts. Admission is free for spectators.