Chattanooga City Council representatives Carol Berz and Russell Gilbert will face off on the new shuffleboard courts inside Brainerd Recreation Complex Sept. 12 to start the first official shuffleboard game.
From left are Senior Olympic shuffleboard athletes Gene Blaes and Carolyn Cox, both gold medalists, and George Robinson. Cox demonstrates how to play shuffleboard by using a cue to move a disc toward the intended goal across the court.The grand opening celebration will last from 10 a.m. to noon.
"We hope to fill all four shuffleboard courts every Monday," said Senior Olympic shuffleboard gold medalist Gene Blaes, who instructs other players at Brainerd Rec. "We want people in the Brainerd area to get involved."
Blaes said shuffleboard is a game anyone can play, even seniors that use a cane.
Senior Olympic shuffleboard gold medalist Carolyn Cox said she has always liked sports but now prefers shuffleboard because she does not have to run and can rest in a chair between games.
"There is skill and strategy to the game," said Cox, who plays at Brainerd Rec. "You don't feel bad if you don't win. It's for the sport, really."
Blaes said the complex's shuffleboard courts will be open every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon.
"Shuffleboard is a great addition to things we already have going on at Brainerd Recreation Center," said facility manager Montrell Besley. "It gives senior adults another way to stay active. We have swimming, water aerobics, a volleyball league, basketball league, badminton and table tennis at the center too."
To learn more about shuffleboard, contact Brainerd Recreation Complex at 425-3600 or Gene Blaes at 624-0501.