Doogie Niemond leaps to slam the ball back during pickleball action sponsored by the Mount Olive Parks and Recreation Department at the Carver Cultural Center gym. The department will sponsor a Clash of the Paddles Pickleball Tournament Saturday, March 16, at the gym. March 15 is the registration deadline. Register at https://app.pickleballden.com/external-tournament/4799502. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Doogie Niemond leaps to slam the ball back during pickleball action sponsored by the Mount Olive Parks and Recreation Department at the Carver Cultural Center gym. The department will sponsor a Clash of the Paddles Pickleball Tournament Saturday, March 16, at the gym. March 15 is the registration deadline. Register at https://app.pickleballden.com/external-tournament/4799502. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

<p>Three-time U.S. Olympian Sam Jones, left, returns serve during pickleball at the Carver Cultural Center gym as her doubles partner Lisa Niemond moves into position. The Mount Olive Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor a Clash of the Paddles Pickleball Tournament Saturday, March 16, at the gym. March 15 is the registration deadline. Register at https://app.pickleballden.com/external-tournament/4799502. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)</p>

Three-time U.S. Olympian Sam Jones, left, returns serve during pickleball at the Carver Cultural Center gym as her doubles partner Lisa Niemond moves into position. The Mount Olive Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor a Clash of the Paddles Pickleball Tournament Saturday, March 16, at the gym. March 15 is the registration deadline. Register at https://app.pickleballden.com/external-tournament/4799502. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Sign-up is underway through March 15 for the Mount Olive Parks and Recreation Department’s Clash of the Paddles Pickleball Tournament.

“I mean this is the pickle capital, so why not have a pickleball tournament,” said Donta Lewis with Mount Olive Parks and Recreation. “This will be our first pickleball tournament here for Mount Olive Parks and Rec.

“We wanted to do something different. We are hoping to have a good turnout. We are excited. Hopefully it will be a great success for our kickoff tournament.”

The indoor tournament will get under way at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 16, in the Carver Cultural Center gym, 612 S. Breazeale Ave.

The $25 registration fee includes a towel.

The tournament is for men and women of all ages who are beginner to mid-level players, Lewis said.

The men’s doubles will start at 9 a.m., women’s doubles at 11 a.m. and mixed doubles at 1 p.m.

Participants can arrive at 8 a.m. warm up, Lewis said.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third places.

The Mount Olive Parks and Recreation Department has free pickleball play from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday and Wednesday at the gym.

The play started last September and has grown from just a few players to about 38 in the group, Lewis said.

“It’s awesome,” he added.

To register for the tournament, visit https://app.pickleballden.com/external-tournament/4799502.

March 15 is the registration deadline.

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