State College’s First Annual Pickleball Tournament: On Saturday, February 1, 2025, the State College Area High School’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) will host its First Annual Pickleball Tournament fundraiser, “Lobbing for Leadership.” The event will take place at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre in State College, PA, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, bringing together pickleball enthusiasts of all ages to support a good cause while enjoying friendly competition.
The tournament is organized by FBLA members alongside the local pickleball community. It aims to raise funds for the club’s programs, which prepare students for careers in leadership, business, and professional development. Players will compete in different divisions, with medals awarded to the top three finishers in each group.
Supporting Future Leaders
The FBLA is a national organization that helps students build leadership and business skills. Through competitions, workshops, and community engagement, members are prepared for careers in business and leadership. The “Lobbing for Leadership” tournament will serve as a fundraiser to support the chapter’s activities and programs, including regional, state, and national competitions. These events allow students to apply their knowledge, learn from industry experts, and develop crucial leadership and career skills.
“We’re excited to host this tournament and bring together our community,”. “The money raised will help us with upcoming competitions and give us the chance to grow as future business leaders.”(Emily Johnson, a senior and FBLA member)
The event also aims to raise awareness about pickleball, a sport that has been growing in popularity across the country. The tournament will offer a great way for locals to get involved, whether as players or spectators.
Auction and Local Support
In addition to the tournament, an online silent auction will feature a variety of items, including pickleball paddles, gift cards, and tickets to Penn State basketball games. The auction will be available online before the event, and attendees will also have the chance to bid on items in person during the tournament.
Local businesses are contributing to the event, with some providing refreshments for players and spectators throughout the day. The Nittany Valley Sports Centre’s snack bar will be open, ensuring that everyone has access to food and drinks during the event. The contributions from local businesses reflect the strong community support for both FBLA and pickleball.
A Day of Fun and Competition
The tournament is open to players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced competitors. Participants can sign up for different divisions, depending on their experience, and compete in singles or doubles matches. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division, making the tournament an exciting opportunity to showcase talent and sportsmanship.
“The idea behind the event is to create a fun atmosphere where the community can come together to enjoy the sport of pickleball while supporting a great cause,”.
“We want everyone to have a good time, whether they’re playing or cheering on their teammates.”(Michael Smith, a local pickleball coach and event organizer)
In addition to the competitive action, the tournament will provide an opportunity for participants to connect with others who share a passion for the sport. Whether you are a seasoned player or just discovering pickleball, the event promises to be an enjoyable experience for all.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament nears, the FBLA chapter and the pickleball community are excited about the impact the event will have. The funds raised will go directly to supporting the students’ educational and leadership programs. Moreover, the tournament is expected to bring more attention to pickleball in the State College area, further growing its local fanbase.
For participants, it’s a chance to compete in a friendly, community-focused environment, while supporting the future leaders of tomorrow. As for FBLA, the tournament is a step forward in fulfilling its mission of preparing students for successful careers in business and leadership.
With a blend of sports, business, and community support, “Lobbing for Leadership” is shaping up to be an event to remember. Whether you’re looking to compete, bid on exciting auction items, or simply enjoy the fun atmosphere, this tournament is sure to be a highlight of the year for the State College community.
News in Brief: State College’s First Annual Pickleball Tournament
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, State College Area High School’s FBLA chapter will host its First Annual Pickleball Tournament fundraiser, “Lobbing for Leadership,” at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event will raise funds for the club’s leadership and business programs, with divisions for all skill levels. In addition to the pickleball competition, there will be an online silent auction featuring sports-related items and local business contributions.
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