Houston – Grab your paddles for a new festival is all about pickleball!
Greater Houston Pickleball Association (GHPA) was formed during the pandemic for enthusiasts of the fast-growing sport. It aims to unite pickleball players from all over Houston and grow the game. On April 13, the nonprofit will host the Annual Pickleball Festival at the Memorial Park Tennis Center. The event will benefit STEM-E Youth Career Development Program and the Houston Parks & Recreation Department.
“We really provide professional opportunities for youth, through our uniquely integrated STEM and entrepreneurship programming, so we are excited to partner together, our three organizations, this event will support all three of us,” said Andria Balogh, director of STEM-E.
“We’ve done some redoing of courts and the tennis players are happy they are getting new courts from the pickleball that’s being brought in,” Thomas Angelo, deputy assistant director of recreation and wellness.
“It’s my mission because it builds community,” saidTerry Stone, GHP founder and executive director.
Pickleball enthusiasts of all levels are welcome to join but you must be at least 12 years old.
Here’s how each organization will benefit from the Pickleball Festival + Tournament:
1. STEM-E
A non-profit organization that globally educates youth in critical skills and professional development through easily accessible and affordable integrated STEM and Entrepreneurship education. The fundraiser will help STEM-E continue to grow and introduce more Houston area students to the benefits of an education in science, technology, engineering or math.
2. Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD)
A portion of event proceeds will support HPARD’s youth sports programs specifically to pilot a youth pickleball program. HPARD has added 47 pickleball courts at our neighborhood tennis courts around the city, and the number is continuing to grow. HPARD is also in the planning stages for a pickleball facility.
3. Greater Houston Pickleball Association (GHPA)
The non-profit represents pickleball and the growing number of players in the greater Houston area. They try to grow the game of pickleball for the health and well-being of our members, through competition, social interaction, and improving neighborhoods with additional pickleball facilities. The festival will heighten awareness of the fast-growing sport and help create more resources and access for the community to get out and play pickleball.
Sign up here: steme.org/pickleball-festival