Borough President’s Pickleball Cup: Staten Island’s pickleball scene was buzzing this weekend as Borough President Vito Fossella kicked off the second annual Pickleball Cup at Premiere Pickleball in Richmond Valley. With the event now co-sponsored by USA Pickleball, this tournament marks a significant milestone in the growing popularity of pickleball on Staten Island and nationwide. The two-day event features fierce competition from local and out-of-town teams, attracting players from multiple boroughs and beyond.
Record Participation and Exciting Matches
This year’s pickleball tournament saw increased competition, with teams from Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Brooklyn, as well as one from New Jersey, participating. The event began with Mixed Doubles in the morning and Women’s Doubles in the afternoon.
Benjamin Chua, Richmond County’s USA Pickleball ambassador, noted that the tournament’s growth was evident as more players and teams signed up.
“Last year, we had Brooklyn and Staten Island, and one team from New Jersey. This year, we have Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island and Brooklyn.” – (Benjamin Chua)
The tournament was originally scheduled for Columbus Day weekend, but it was moved to this weekend to avoid a conflict with Yom Kippur. Benjamin Chua assured fans that next year’s event would return to its traditional time slot.
“We usually hold the tournament on Columbus Day weekend, but this year, due to the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, we changed the date to accommodate everyone. Next year, the tournament will move back to Columbus Day weekend.” – (Benjamin Chua)
Premiere Pickleball Hosts Record-Breaking Turnout
The pickleball event was held at Premiere Pickleball, a new facility located at 236 Richmond Valley Road, which opened in the location previously occupied by RollerJam USA. Arthur McCarthy, the owner of Premiere Pickleball, shared that the venue has received an overwhelmingly positive response. With 80 teams currently in the league and more than 100 expected this winter, the facility is rapidly becoming a hub for pickleball players.
Arthur McCarthy, a builder with 35 years of experience, shared his pride in the space he helped design and construct in just 63 days.
“As a builder for 35 years, working with architects and doing a lot of design work myself, designing and building this place in 63 days was amazing. Watching people have fun and enjoying a space I created has a reward beyond money. Hundreds of people have made new friends that otherwise would never have known each other. It’s a wonderful experience.” (Arthur McCarthy)
“We have had a tremendous response [to the new facility] from the community. We have 80 teams in our league, and we will have over 100 this winter. Seven schools are scheduled to come here on day trips, and we expect that to increase to 30 to 40 schools.” – (Arthur McCarthy)
His efforts have fostered a community where hundreds of people have made new friends and connections.
Tournament Continues with More Competitive Action
The pickleball tournament continued on Sunday with more exciting matches. Mixed Doubles events took place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by Men’s Doubles from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The growing popularity of the tournament and the sport on Staten Island highlights the continued expansion of pickleball’s appeal in the region.
News in brief: Borough President’s Pickleball Cup
The second annual Borough President’s Pickleball Cup has proven to be a resounding success, with a record number of teams and participants. The event not only brings together local athletes but also shows the strong community spirit around pickleball on Staten Island.
With the continued support of USA Pickleball and local venues like Premiere Pickleball, the future of the tournament looks bright, and it promises to become an even bigger event in the years to come.
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