Katy Perry Hosts a Huge Pickleball Tournament: In a dazzling display of sport and charity, Katy Perry hosted the 2nd Annual Light Up the Court Pickleball Tournament at Montecito Club in Santa Barbara, California. This pickleball event, a highlight on the pickleball calendar, not only showed thrilling matches but also served a greater purpose: raising funds for the Firework Foundation. Founded in 2018 by Katy Perry and her sister, Angela Lerche, the foundation aims to empower children from underserved communities by igniting their inner light through the arts.
The tournament kicked off with a lively round-robin format, featuring a mix of celebrity participants and local pickleball players. Among those showing their skills were Ellen DeGeneres, Orlando Bloom, Charlie Puth, Lauren Sanchez, and Rob Lowe, adding a star-studded flair to the event. The excitement resulted in the crowning of the 2024 Light Up the Court Champions, Mike Roberts and Eui Oh, who notably dethroned last year’s champions in a thrilling match that showed the competitive spirit of the tournament.
A Match to Remember: Katy Perry and the Brascia Sisters
Capping off the festivities, Katy Perry teamed up with top pickleball professionals, the Brascia Sisters, in an exhilarating exhibition match. The match featured a sibling rivalry, with Katy Perry and Mary Brascia narrowly defeating Angela Lerche and Maggie Brascia with a score of 11-9. This thrilling display of talent highlighted not only the fun of pickleball but also the growing popularity of the sport among celebrities.
As the excitement unfolded on the court, camp counselors from Firework Foundation’s Camp Firework distributed custom visors and shirts to participants and attendees. They also provided insights into the foundation’s marquee initiative: a three-day sleep-away camp designed to inspire children through artistic programming.
This initiative aims to empower up to 100 kids, giving them a space to discover their spark and bring that creativity back to their communities. The foundation’s partnerships with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Young Producers Group further extend its impact, fostering music and mentorship programs that benefit youth.
Impact Beyond the Court
The Light Up the Court tournament shows the growing intersection of sports and philanthropy, where fun and competition blend seamlessly with a commitment to making a difference. Events like this not only promote the love of pickleball but also emphasize the importance of community and giving back. The participation of high-profile celebrities helps raise awareness for essential causes, inspiring fans and young players.
Katy Perry’s vision for the Firework Foundation shines brightly through initiatives like this tournament, showing how sports can be a powerful tool for social change. With the increase in celebrity involvement in pickleball, the sport is assured to gain even more traction, attracting new pickleball players and fans eager to participate in this dynamic community.
News in Brief: Katy Perry Hosts a Huge Pickleball Tournament
Katy Perry hosted the 2nd Annual Light Up the Court Pickleball Tournament at Montecito Club in Santa Barbara, blending sport and charity. The pickleball event, featuring celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Orlando Bloom, raised funds for Perry’s Firework Foundation, which supports underserved children through arts programs.
Mike Roberts and Eui Oh were crowned champions, while Katy Perry and the Brascia Sisters entertained with a thrilling exhibition match. The event showed pickleball’s growing popularity and highlighted the intersection of sports and philanthropy, inspiring community involvement and supporting the foundation’s initiatives for youth empowerment.
ALSO READ: Forget-Me-Not Pickleball Tournament in Langford Serves Hope
