Celebrity match brings out the stars
USA Pickleball Serves donates court , hosts youth clinic
A big first
Pickleball ’ s global reach
FEATURE
Celebrity match brings out the stars
The stars came out for the Dinks for a Difference Celebrity Match presented by Lerner & Rowe as Eric Decker , Amy Van Dyken , Jake Plummer , Frankie Muniz , Gerry Turner and Shane Doan — alongside pro players Megan Fudge and Ryler DeHeart — competed in skills challenges and doubles matches led by hosts Joey Fatone and Mayci Neeley .
The event raised funds for USA Pickleball Serves , benefiting community and youth programs , with youth from the local nonprofit A New Leaf , which received a court donation during Nationals , joining the action .
USA Pickleball Serves donates court , hosts youth clinic
USA Pickleball in partnership with A New Leaf , a local Arizona nonprofit , unveiled a new pickleball court provided by Sport Court , at La Mesita Family Shelter during Nationals . The event — which included a ribbon cutting ceremony following formal remarks , a youth clinic , and a donation of pickleball equipment — highlighted the mission of USA Pickleball Serves , the organization ’ s charitable arm , to support inclusive play , educational youth programming and court enhancements .
In addition to the court dedication and clinic , Fortune Tires , Official USA Pickleball Partner and Exclusive Tire Partner , donated 60 sets of brand-new tires ( valued at $ 40,000 ) to residents through A New Leaf , which supports families experiencing homelessness and domestic violence .
A big first
Taylor Nichols became the first adaptive athlete to win a triple crown at a pickleball national championship . Nationals featured a wheelchair competition division for the first time .
Pickleball ’ s global reach
The Global Pickleball Federation hosted pickleball representatives from several countries at Nationals . This marks a major initiative to garner international support to create synergy for the sport of pickleball . In addition to the United States , the following countries were represented : India , Australia , Peru , Canada , Taipei , Ireland , Hong Kong , Mexico , Chile , Rwanda , Tunisia , Philippines , Japan , Puerto Rico , Dominican Republic , and Nigeria .
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