Pickleball players of all ages have a reason to celebrate this holiday season. The Holiday Pickleball Festival is in full swing at Westfield’s Grand Park, running through the end of December. This month-long pickleball event combines the nation’s fastest-growing sport with a mission to support local organizations.
“We have a whole month of not-for-profit tournaments, court rental, and open play.” – (Birch Dalton, co-founder of the festival)
He emphasized that the event aims to grow the sport while fostering community connections.
“It’s a great sport for the young, old and everything in between.” – (Birch Dalton)
Supporting Local Causes
The festival features a series of tournaments and events designed to engage players of all skill levels while raising funds for various local causes.
Participants can enjoy everything from competitive matches to casual play, with proceeds benefiting organizations such as the Heart & Soul Free Clinic, Damar Services, and the Westfield Youth Assistance Program. Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule:
- Dec. 15 | Ivy Tech of Hamilton County Pickleball Palooza: A co-ed scramble tournament supporting Ivy Tech of Hamilton County.
- Dec. 20 | Dink ‘Til You Drop: Open play, clinics, and challenges with a portion of the fees supporting Heart & Soul Free Clinic.
- Dec. 21 | Winter Pickleball Team Smash: A co-ed tournament benefiting Damar Services.
- Dec. 27 | Westfield Youth Assistance Program Family Day: A clinic for families to learn and enjoy the sport.
- Dec. 29 | Westfield Youth Sports Day: A kids-focused clinic followed by an optional tournament.
Why Pickleball?
Pickleball’s rise in popularity is hard to ignore. Known for its easy-to-learn rules and broad appeal, the sport has drawn millions of players across the U.S.
Events like the Holiday Pickleball Festival help sustain its growth while fostering a sense of community. He also highlighted how Grand Park’s state-of-the-art facilities make it an ideal venue for hosting such events.
A Bright Future for Pickleball
The Holiday Pickleball Festival shows how sports can unite people and contribute to meaningful causes. As pickleball continues to gain traction, events like this will likely play a crucial role in promoting the sport and building stronger communities.
News in Brief: Holiday Pickleball Festival
The Holiday Pickleball Festival at Westfield’s Grand Park runs through December, offering tournaments, clinics, and open play to benefit local causes. Events like “Dink ‘Til You Drop” and “Winter Pickleball Team Smash” support organizations such as the Heart & Soul Free Clinic and Damar Services. Co-founder Birch Dalton calls pickleball a “sport for all ages” that connects the community.
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