By outdoor-nature-child.com On September 21, the American Chinese Pickleball Association (ACPA) kicked off its inaugural Family Friendly Pickleball Tournament in Glen Mills, a charming suburb of Philadelphia, perfectly timed with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese celebration that emphasizes family unity.
What is it about pickleball that has captured so many hearts? Its widespread appeal lies in its inclusivity; people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the sport. It provides a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and strengthen their bonds. To honor this spirit, the ACPA scheduled the tournament during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a season synonymous with family gatherings. It was truly heartwarming to witness pickleball enthusiasts bringing their spouses, children, grandchildren, and other relatives to the courts, all relishing the joy of playing together and deepening their love for the game.
The tournament format featured doubles matches exclusively between family members, with no restrictions on gender or skill level. Following the announcement of the event, registration soared, surpassing expectations within a week. Due to space constraints, only the first 16 family teams were able to participate, although the ACPA made the decision to include the top 20 individual registrants, ensuring their scores were officially recorded in the DUPR system.
The atmosphere during the matches was a captivating blend of competition and camaraderie, highlighting not only the familial connections nurtured through pickleball but also the determination of the players. The event’s success was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Dr. Li Xiaobin from Zhu Feng Medical, a delicious lunch provided by Nice Chinese Restaurant, and special discounts on coffee and tea from Cup of Dreams.
Founded in early 2024 in the Philadelphia suburbs, the ACPA aims to promote pickleball within the Chinese community by providing learning opportunities and organizing various tournaments to grow the sport. The association has successfully hosted numerous events and offers pickleball classes at different skill levels in local community schools. For those interested in discovering more about pickleball, joining the sport, becoming an ACPA member, or supporting the Chinese pickleball community, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected].