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Senior Pickleball Report

Experience the Rise and Rivalries of Pickleball in ‘Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story’

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Last Updated on May 29, 2024 by Daily News Staff

a man sitting in a hammock holding a paddle
Sleeves on location near his yurt. (IMDb)

Virtual Screenings Available at Midnight!

The documentary in which Michael Sleeves Sliwa appears, “Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story,” is currently featured in the San Francisco Documentary Festival. It will also be available for a virtual screening starting at midnight tonight for those who have pre-ordered it. This virtual screening allows viewers to vote and the film will be eligible for Audience Awards.

Watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/951123135/69cb708c54

The story of the film revolves around the rapid growth of pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, over a two-year period. It explores its journey from retirement communities to the New York Stock Exchange. “Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story” provides an intimate portrayal of the pioneers who brought about this new professional sport. These early advocates, including former athletes, entrepreneurs, and passionate advocates of the game, worked tirelessly to bring pickleball from the margins to the mainstream. Through their efforts, they transformed a simple pastime into a burgeoning sports industry.

As this sporting industry booms, a rivalry emerges, creating a battleground for settling territorial disputes. This intense competition isn’t just about winning matches; it’s about carving out a piece of a rapidly expanding market. In this struggle for dominance, bonds are shattered and friendships betrayed, while numerous professional pickleball players become caught in the crossfire of competing egos and ambitions from feuding Texas billionaires. These billionaires, each with their vision for the future of pickleball, invest heavily in teams and tournaments, turning the sport into a high-stakes game of financial and social influence.

Undoubtedly American, the fight for professional pickleball compels us to confront the positive and negative aspects of capitalism’s influence on sports and our collective pursuit of the American Dream. On one hand, the sport’s growth demonstrates the power of innovation and the ability to create new opportunities in unexpected places. On the other hand, the intense competition and the quest for dominance often highlight the darker side of ambition, where financial gain trumps the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. The film challenges viewers to reflect on these dualities and consider what we are willing to sacrifice in our pursuit of success.

The film, directed by Ashley Underwood, Seth Porges, and Mary Pilon, features pickleballers from various walks of life.

“Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story” is more than just a documentary about the rise of a new sport; it’s a profound narrative that delves into the American spirit and the complexities of human ambition. Through the lens of pickleball, viewers witness the innovation, conflicts, and camaraderie that characterize the American Dream. The film concludes by reflecting on how this rapidly growing sport has not only altered the lives of those involved but also offers a microcosm of larger societal dynamics. As pickleball continues to evolve, it serves as a testament to the enduring impact of passion-driven ventures in shaping our world, promising that the journey of its expansion is far from over.

For more details about the movie, its cast, storyline, and the virtual screening experience, visit the links below.

https://watch.eventive.org/sfdocfest2024/play/6620f254a0b34b0058b26d1b

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32307345/?ref_=tt_mv_close

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https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment

health and wellness

“Protect Your Skin: Celebrate Sunscreen Day”

“May 27th is Sunscreen Day! Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun safety practices.”

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Last Updated on May 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff

woman seated on textile applying suncsreen. Celebrate Sunscreen Day
Photo by RF._.studio on Pexels.com

Sunscreen Day is a day dedicated to promoting the importance of wearing sunscreen and protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. Observed annually on May 27th, this day serves as a reminder that sunscreen is not just for the beach or pool, but an essential part of our daily routine.

The sun emits two types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn and can lead to the development of skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting these rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin.

Unfortunately, many people still do not wear sunscreen or do not wear it correctly. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, only 30% of Americans regularly use sunscreen. This is concerning, as skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year.

To ensure that sunscreen is effective, it is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, while SPF 30 provides adequate protection for most skin types. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.

It is also important to remember that sunscreen is not the only way to protect your skin from the sun. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) can also help reduce your risk of sun damage.

Sunscreen Day is a great opportunity to start incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen every morning before leaving the house, and keep a bottle in your car or bag for reapplication throughout the day. Encourage your friends and family to do the same, and spread awareness about the importance of sun protection.

“Happy Sunscreen Day!”

In conclusion, sunscreen is a crucial aspect of protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. By choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and incorporating it into our daily routine, we can reduce our risk of skin cancer and premature aging. So let’s celebrate Sunscreen Day by making a commitment to protect our skin and encouraging others to do the same!

For more information heres a link to the Skin Cancer Foundation: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/

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Sports

CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated Partners With CityPickle to Expand Urban Pickleball Access in NYC

CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated partners with CityPickle to expand NYC pickleball access, adding Central Park, Times Square and LIC courts to easy online booking.

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New York City’s pickleball boom is getting a little easier to navigate. CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated, a North America–wide platform for booking sports facilities, announced a strategic partnership with CityPickle that will bring several of the operator’s most recognizable NYC courts onto CatchCorner’s reservation network.

The launch includes three CityPickle locations: Wollman Rink in Central Park, the flagship facility in Times Square, and indoor courts in Long Island City. A fourth site at Brooklyn Bridge is expected to open soon, expanding the footprint even further. The idea is simple: players can discover and book court time through CatchCorner in “just a few clicks,” with real-time availability and built-in payment options.

CityPickle pickleball courts at Wollman Rink in Central Park, one of several NYC locations now bookable through CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated.
Wollman Rink in Central Park, CityPickle Location (CNW Group/CatchCorner)

Why this partnership matters

Pickleball’s growth has been fueled by accessibility, but in dense cities the biggest barrier is often logistics: finding courts, knowing what’s available, and actually locking in a time slot. By pairing CityPickle’s high-profile, high-traffic venues with CatchCorner’s booking infrastructure, the partnership aims to reduce friction for everyone from first-timers to regular players.

CatchCorner CEO Jonathan Azouri framed CityPickle as a key player in expanding access, pointing to the way the operator is repurposing iconic city spaces into “dynamic hubs for sport, community, and social connection.” CityPickle’s Director of Strategic Operations, Nate Hamowy, echoed that community-first approach, saying the company’s mission is to create a place where “everyone can enjoy the game,” and that CatchCorner’s platform helps players find and connect across sports.

The bigger trend: racquet sports go urban

The announcement also signals a broader shift in how racquet sports are being built into city life. Instead of relying solely on traditional clubs or hard-to-access public courts, operators are increasingly activating prominent locations and creating event-like environments around play. In a place like NYC—where space is scarce and demand is high—partnerships like this can be the difference between pickleball feeling like a trend and pickleball becoming a permanent part of the city’s recreation ecosystem.

What to watch for next

  • Brooklyn Bridge expansion: The upcoming fourth location could be a major demand driver, especially if it mirrors the visibility and foot traffic of the Central Park and Times Square sites.
  • More venue additions: CatchCorner’s model is built for scale. If the CityPickle rollout performs well, it could accelerate additional urban racquet-sport partnerships.
  • Community programming: The most successful city courts tend to pair bookings with leagues, clinics, and social play—expect more structured programming as these venues attract new players.

Players looking to reserve court time can do so through CatchCorner’s platform at www.catchcorner.comor via the CatchCorner app on the App Store and Google Play.

The Sports section of STM Daily News is your ultimate destination for all things sports, catering to everyday fans and dedicated enthusiasts alike. We cover a wide range of topics, from the thrill of amateur competitions to the excitement of semi-professional and professional leagues. Our content delves into physical and mental fitness, providing insights and tips that help individuals elevate their performance, whether on the field or in their personal wellness journeys. Stay informed and inspired as we explore the dynamic world of sports, celebrating both the passion of the players and the joy of the fans.

https://stmdailynews.com/sports

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Senior Pickleball Report

Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion Starts in Roseville; Sleeves SPR Has Full Details

West Coast pickleball players could see more indoor options soon as Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion becomes statewide. The first club opens in Roseville with 11 indoor courts.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pickleball Kingdom, which calls itself the world’s largest indoor pickleball entity, announced a landmark agreement to develop locations across California, with multi-unit franchisees Parminder and Komal Saini leading the statewide expansion.

Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion Begins With 11-Court Roseville Facility
Interior view of a Pickleball Kingdom club, featuring multiple professional-grade indoor courts.

Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion

The company said demand is rising across the Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire, and that future clubs are expected to include professional-grade indoor courts, coaching and clinics for all skill levels, youth development programs, leagues and tournaments, a pro shop, and social areas.

The first California location is set to open in Roseville with grand opening activities the weekend of March 28. The club will feature 11 professional-grade indoor courts across approximately 32,900 square feet at 10251 Fairway Drive, Roseville, CA 95678.

For more context on the announcement and what the rollout could mean for California players, Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report published a full write-up here: https://sleeves-spr.com/pickleball-kingdom-announces-major-california-expansion-first-club-opens-in-roseville/Pickleball Kingdom also said it is seeking additional franchise partners in California. More information is available at https://pickleballkingdom.com/franchise/

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

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