Baton Rouge’s Big Pickleball Weekend: Baton Rouge is set to host a highly anticipated stop on the World Pickleball Tour at the BREC Greenwood Community Park Tennis Center on Friday, Nov. 15. This amateur pickleball tournament, held on Court 16, offers players of all ages the chance to compete in eight guaranteed matches. Whether a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the sport, participants will have the opportunity to show their skills and vie for the title of gold medalist.
The gold medalists from this event will earn an exclusive invitation to the International Championship, a prestigious tournament where the nation’s best will compete for a grand prize of $175,000. The tournament, which kicks off at 8:00 a.m., is expected to draw a significant crowd as the sport’s popularity continues to grow.
Honoring Veterans and Serving the Community
While the World Pickleball Tour will be the main attraction on Nov. 15, the weekend also features events honoring local veterans and offering recreational activities. On Monday, Nov. 11, the Regional Veterans’ Park will host a flag-raising ceremony, honoring those who have served in the military.
Retired Army veteran, Lieutenant Colonel Darren Spears, and Iraq veteran Bryan Powell will give speeches reflecting on their service. The ceremony will be accompanied by cadets from the Army Junior ROTC at Zachary High and local Boy Scout troops.
Other Community Events This Week
While pickleball steals the spotlight, Baton Rouge residents can also engage in other events aimed at enhancing personal safety and community connection. On Nov. 12, a fraud prevention workshop hosted by AARP at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library will focus on how consumers can protect themselves from scams during the busy holiday season.
For those interested in self-defense, LSU’s UREC will offer a Women’s Self-Defense Class on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The class, led by the LSU Police Department, will teach valuable self-defense techniques and situational awareness, available for free to LSU students, faculty, and staff.
News in Brief: Baton Rouge’s Big Pickleball Weekend
The World Pickleball Tour tournament, held on Nov. 15 at BREC Greenwood Community Park Tennis Center, promises intense competition and a chance for amateur players to qualify for the International Championship and the $175,000 prize.
In addition, Baton Rouge honors its veterans with a flag-raising ceremony on Nov. 11 and offers community activities throughout the week, including fraud prevention workshops and self-defense classes.
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