Welcome Y’all Pickleball Tournament: The first-ever Welcome Y’all Pickleball Doubles Tournament will take place on January 11, 2025, at the Lexington Ice Center in Lexington, Kentucky. This pickleball event, which aims to raise funds for KRM Lexington, will feature exciting pickleball matches, including a special “Sabotage Match” where teams can challenge each other with fun and quirky obstacles.
The pickleball tournament will offer several categories, including a Beginners’ Tournament in the morning, Sabotage Matches at midday, and an Advanced Tournament in the afternoon. Players can expect to enjoy pool play followed by knockout rounds to determine the winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. Each team is guaranteed at least three matches, with additional games in the knockout rounds.
Unique Tournament Features
The Welcome Y’all Tournament offers a blend of competitive play and lighthearted fun. A key highlight is the Sabotage Matches, where teams can use playful props like pool noodles, frying pans, and boxing gloves to disrupt their opponents’ gameplay. The Sabotage Matches will be played with side-out scoring and are designed to add excitement and unpredictability to the day.
Community Focus
The event is not just about pickleball. A portion of the rink’s proceeds will go to KRM Lexington, a nonprofit that serves refugees and immigrants in central Kentucky. The organization provides a range of services, and the tournament aims to support their mission of welcoming and aiding immigrants and refugees.
Registration Details
Registration for the tournament is open until January 11, 2025, with a registration fee of $25. Each doubles team must pay separately, and partners need to register within seven days of each other, or the team will be moved to the waitlist. The tournament also welcomes players who do not have a partner, and they will be paired with others on the day of the event.
Tournament Schedule
- 8:00 AM – Warm-up and Beginners Clinic
- 9:00 AM – Beginners Tournament
- 1:00 PM – Sabotage Matches
- 3:00 PM – Advanced Tournament
Matches will be played to 11, win by 2, with a 15-minute cap on playtime. Teams will be seeded based on their records and point differential from pool play.
Impact and Benefits
The Welcome Y’all Tournament is a fantastic opportunity for pickleball players of all levels to compete, have fun, and support a great cause. By participating, players not only engage in a friendly competition but also contribute to the welcoming efforts of refugees in the community. The event’s success could lead to more community-driven sports events with social impact.
News in Brief: Welcome Y’all Pickleball Tournament
The first-ever Welcome Y’all Pickleball Doubles Tournament will take place on January 11, 2025, at the Lexington Ice Center in Lexington, Kentucky. The event, which benefits KRM Lexington, will feature a Beginners’ Tournament, Sabotage Matches, and an Advanced Tournament. Players will compete in pool play followed by knockout rounds, with at least three matches guaranteed per team. The Sabotage Matches will introduce fun obstacles like pool noodles and frying pans. Registration is open until January 11, 2025, with a $25 entry fee. This unique event combines competitive play with community support for refugees and immigrants.
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