Manson Chamber hopes for 300 participants in first time event
by Dennis Rahm, Photo Credit: Harmony Meadows
The first ever Lake Chelan Pickleball Tournament will take place in Manson September 20-22 at Harmony Meadows Tennis and Events Center. The event is being sponsored by the Manson Chamber of Commerce and managed by Pickleball Is Great, otherwise know as PIG.
Manson Chamber President Jeff Conwell is hopeful the first-year event will draw upwards of 300 participants to a top-class venue during a perfect time of the year to visit Lake Chelan.
Jeff Conwell: Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States today
The pickleball tournament is open to ages eight and up, and will feature play in Men’s and Women’s singles and doubles as well as mixed doubles. The brackets will place age groupings within the various divisions and skill levels.
Pickleball is considered to be the fastest growing sport in the United States and has grown by more than 650 percent in the past six years. It is described as being a mix of tennis, racquetball, and ping pong, and is a sport that can be played by all ages.
Pickleball now features a growing professional circuit. The top men’s singles player in the world is Tyson McGuffin, who grew up in Chelan. McGuffin is a four-time Grand Slam Gold Medalist in men’s open singles play and is also the reigning National Champion.
Tyson was featured this week on the Monday morning national broadcast of The Today show on NBC television.
Conwell says an organizational meeting for the tournament was held earlier this month and things are progressing nicely.
There is a need for volunteers for a variety of tasks and for those who are interested, send an email to president@moretomanson.com.
In addition, here is the link to the online registration.
Early registration is available until August 23rd and provides a $10 discount.
Reigning Pickleball Champion Tyson McGuffin. Selkirk Pro photo.
