Checotah locals love to be the first at everything so hosting the First Pickleball Tournament in McIntosh County was kind of a big “dill” last Thursday evening.

The inaugural Pickleball Tournament had a total of 11 teams that battled their way through double-elimination play on the new pickleball court.

The team of Chris Brown and Jackson Brown took home bragging rights by coming in first place while teammates, Mandy Brown and Weston Brown, earned a hard-fought Both teams received cash and gift cards from tournament sponsors, Checotah Perk and Market 26. Each participant also got a custom tee from Market 26.

Players and spectators were also treated to a pickle bar and lemonade plus puckering pickle popsicles from Checotah Perk.

All the proceeds from entry fees went to support the summer reading program at the Jim Lucas Public Library.

Plans are already in the works for a fall tournament to raise funds to further enhance the pickleball courts for the community’s enjoyment.

The Checotah Jim Lucas Public Library is believed to be the first library in Okla-homa with a pickleball court and that’s a really big “dill” for Checotah too.

Pickleball has grown in popularity among adults with a large percent of pickleball players being above the age of 60. It is also equally played by both men and women and has a myriad of health benefits for older people to help reduce the risk of a stroke or a heart attack.

Families can bring their own pickleball equipment to play or check out equipment at the library located at 626 W. Gentry Ave. right next to the court.

The pickleball court is open for everyone to enjoy year-round, but closes at dark.