Pickleball Magazine 4-5 WD | Page 16

dinks continued MARGATE RECREATION HOSTED PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT/ EXHIBITION—PICKLEBALL BATTLE, EAST VS. WEST O n Aug. 18, the Margate City Recreation Department hosted an exhibition/tournament benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, featuring some of the most accomplished pickleball players from Philadelphia to Cape May. “The event went off without a hitch, and the local East Team was dominant in their victory. The weather was great and the camaraderie was beautiful and fun to witness. It was a fantastic exhibition of pickleball and sportsmanship,” says Tournament Director Dan Gottlieb. “Last but not least, we exceeded our fundraising goal and raised almost $3,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, while creating some awareness of our great game to some youngsters who will hopefully enjoy the sport for many years to come.” Gottlieb adds that the tournament organizers and participants have applied for a grant from a Florida-based nonprofit, Pickleball for All, to procure equipment for the gym at the Boys and Girls Club. The USAPA Congratulates Recently Certified Referees Adam MacKinnon Donn Paben Kay Redding Joseph Santoro $23.4 MILLION IN UPGRADES! PICKLEBALL ACADEMY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA — HOME OF THE US OPEN T he Pickleball Academy of SWFL, located at East Naples Community Park, is home of the US Open Pickleball Championships! The academy has just been approved by Collier County commissioners for $23.4 million in upgrades, which will include some exciting changes, including 10 additional courts (it has 54 courts currently), a state-of-the-art welcome center, locker rooms, an on-site pro shop, additional parking, a restaurant and bar, plus a 3,500-seat championship stadium and amphitheater! PICKLEBALLERS EVERYWHERE! Do you have a successful recreational or social program in your area or at your club? Tell us what you’re doing right! We’ll publish your ideas so others can implement them! Help us grow this wonderful sport! [email protected] 14 TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM