Sun Valley Pickleball Event: Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw has been enthusiastic about the local pickleball scene, highlighting its role in fostering community connections. “This group connects people,” Bradshaw remarked to a gathering of 300 players at the Atkinsons Park summer pickleball picnic. “That’s what you bring to Ketchum—connectedness and vibrancy. I love this group because it’s so welcoming. People come to town and they feel so welcomed by this group. And that says a lot about you—how you act, not just to friends but to visitors. It’s always great when we have pickleball on the council agenda because I know we’re going to get great attendance.”
Legends Celebrity Weekend Pro Pickleball Invitational
The Wood River Valley Pickleball Association is set to elevate the sport with the Legends Celebrity Weekend Pro Pickleball Invitational, running from August 1-4 in Sun Valley. This event, which benefits Men’s Second Chance Living, will showcase 20 of the top senior pickleball players in the U.S., including tennis legends John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Vince Van Patten, and Mikael Pernfors.
“This is a gathering of the top 20 senior pros in the country coming together in Idaho to play a charity event. It’s a first of its kind and it’s going to be high-level competition,” said Lee Sponaugle, president of the Wood River Pickleball Alliance and a competing senior pro. The event will also feature notable players like Paul Olin, a former Top Gun pilot and three-time National Champion, and Mattias Johansson, a Swedish Grand Slam winner.
Event Schedule and Highlights
The tournament schedule includes:
- Thursday, Aug. 1: Senior Pro Clinics at the Valley Club from 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. ($150 for Valley Club members, $200 for non-members).
- Friday, Aug. 2: Senior Pro Team Event from 2-5 p.m. (Spectators welcome). Invitation-only Welcome Cocktail Party from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at a private residence.
- Saturday, Aug. 3: MSCL 3rd Annual Pickleball Fundraiser from noon-4 p.m. ($250 entry fee). Legends Dinner and Exhibition at 6 p.m. ($400 per person).
- Sunday, Aug. 4: Legends Round Robin Exhibition Play from 10-11 a.m. (Spectators welcome). Senior Pro Team Event at 11 a.m. (Spectators welcome).
Men’s Second Chance Living, the beneficiary of the event, supports men in addiction recovery, offering services at its second sober house in Hailey. Executive Director Sonya Wilander emphasized the organization’s mission to help men achieve sustained sobriety.
News in Brief: Sun Valley Pickleball Event
From August 1-4, Sun Valley will host the Legends Celebrity Weekend Pro Pickleball Invitational, featuring 20 top senior players and tennis legends like John McEnroe and Mats Wilander. The event, organized by the Wood River Valley Pickleball Association and benefiting Men’s Second Chance Living, promises high-level competition and community engagement.
The schedule includes senior pro clinics on August 1, a team event on August 2, a fundraiser and Legends Dinner on August 3, and a Legends Round Robin Exhibition on August 4. Spectators are welcome for several events. The tournament will support Men’s Second Chance Living, which aids men in addiction recovery.
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