Cosmic Hamlet Pickleball Tournament Nearing: The Homer Pickleball Club is set to host its fourth annual Cosmic Hamlet Open Pickleball Tournament from August 31 to September 2. This year’s event will take place at the SPARC building, marking a notable venue shift from previous years.
Event Schedule and Format
Janie Leask, President of the Homer Pickleball Club, outlined the tournament’s schedule: “We will kick things off with an initial tournament on the first day. Women’s doubles will start on Saturday, mixed doubles on Sunday, and men’s doubles on Monday.” This structured format promises a well-organized event catering to players across various categories.
Honoring Bill Bloom
In a tribute to the late Bill Bloom, one of the original founders of the Homer Pickleball Club, the 2024 tournament is dedicated to his memory. Bloom, who passed away two years ago, played a crucial role in establishing the organization alongside Mike Flora and Will Files.
Increased Participation and Venue Upgrade
With registration closing on August 23, the event has seen a substantial increase in participants, reaching 112 compared to last year’s 73. “About half of the registrants are from Anchorage, and the other half from the Kenai Peninsula,” Leask noted. The move to the SPARC building, which offers four courts compared to the three at HERC, is expected to accommodate the growing number of players.
Post-Tournament Activities and Sponsorship
Following the women’s doubles matches on Saturday, Homer Brewing, one of the event’s sponsors, will host a gathering for participants. This year marks a significant milestone for the club as it operates under its new 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which has facilitated securing sponsorships from various local businesses and organizations, including Abi Reid Creative Designs, Beachy Construction, and Discount Tires.
Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
Leask also shared insights into the sport of pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. “The fastest-growing age segment in the United States for the sport is 18 through 34, though it started with older retirees. It’s now being taught in schools, and there’s even a professional pickleball league,” Leask explained. “We’ve really seen it take off here in Homer.”
News in Brief: Cosmic Hamlet Pickleball Tournament Nearing
The Homer Pickleball Club’s fourth annual Cosmic Hamlet Open Pickleball Tournament will run from August 31 to September 2 at the SPARC building. This year’s event is dedicated to Bill Bloom, a co-founder who passed away two years ago. With registration closing on August 23, 112 players are signed up, reflecting a significant increase from last year. The tournament will feature women’s doubles on Saturday, mixed doubles on Sunday, and men’s doubles on Monday. Homer Brewing will host a gathering post-women’s tournament. The event benefits from the club’s new 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, securing various local sponsors.
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