SHARON MILNE

SHARON MILNE

Sharon was introduced to Pickleball thanks to Sam Mac from Sunrise on channel 7.

Mac was at a venue down south during Covid early in 2020. It seemed like a fun sport, so Sharon enquired to Pickleball Australia to see if it was played in Townsville. The Pickleball Townsville group were already up and running, so she went to their Thursday afternoon session with Michelle Jones and absolutely loved it. Already the President for Southern Cross Dolphins Community Club, Sharon showed her committee how cool the sport was and suggested they add it to their current activities.

They started running sessions on Saturday afternoons, however during the ups and downs of the covid rules, they never really established a great following. The good news is that the Council are now adding 4 Pickleball courts for the Club.

Pickleball is a very new sport to Australia. The sport originated in USA and has seen astronomical growth over the last 3 years – even with Covid. It came to Australia in 2015 and to Townsville in late 2019.

What event will you be participating at the NQ Games?

Pickleball

Have you ever competed in an NQ Games before?

No

How important is it for you to have local competition like this event?

Good for me and the community

What’s your best piece of advice for athletes in your sport?

Have FUN

Who has inspired you the most in your sport?

Others enjoying themselves

What part of North Queensland are you from?

Townsville

What’s your favourite thing to do in Townsville?

Visit Jezzine Barracks and the Strand

How did you start/get into this sport?

Saw it advertised on TV

How long have you been playing/competing in this sport?

18 months

What are your sporting career goals?

Just enjoying participating and having fun

Are you competing in a few sports at the games?

No

The NQ games are a great event to meet and socialise with other athletes, have you made new friends through sport?

Yes many