Reach Your Resolutions: Start 2024 With Pickleball in Happy Valley
Secure your spot in the event — register now.
State College, PA | December 8, 2023 — Kick off your New Year on an active note and bid farewell to those post-holiday blues! The third annual “Dinking in the New Year” Pickleball Tournament will take place January 13-14, 2024. This multi-day event promises an upgraded experience, spanning two days instead of one, and strategically timed in mid-January to avoid holiday travel conflicts.
Donna Reese, the dynamic organizer behind the tournament, is eagerly anticipating the reimagined event. She sees "Dinking in the New Year" as an ideal platform for both seasoned pickleball enthusiasts and those looking to dive into the sport.
Donna shares her excitement, stating, “This year, we've broadened our play opportunities by introducing brackets for novice and social players. It's a fantastic chance for new and social players to participate, challenge themselves, and enhance their skills. Our veteran players get a competitive space, and local players have a thrilling event to share with family and friends.”
The tournament aligns seamlessly with the spirit of New Year's resolutions, offering participants a chance to stay active and have a blast.
Donna emphasizes the unique social aspect of pickleball, noting, “The greatest gift that pickleball offers is the gift of friendships and social interaction within the framework of a healthy activity. The social possibilities are endless."
Pickleball's popularity is soaring nationwide, known for its inclusivity across all age groups. Mindy Yoder, a professional pickleball instructor, echoes this sentiment, saying, "Pickleball is not only the fastest-growing sport but is cross-generational and all-inclusive. The social aspect has made it very popular."
Participants strike a pose during a clinic led by professional pickleball instructor, Mindy Yoder.
Randy Hoffman, a pickleball instructor at NVSC, expresses enthusiasm for the sport's growth in Happy Valley, stating, "Growth has been dynamic, especially in the past year. Major tournaments like ‘Dinking In The New Year’ contribute significantly to the sport's visibility and bring economic benefits to the local community.”
Players gather during a Pickleball 101 clinic led by Randy Hoffman at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre.
The excitement doesn't end on January 14th; a clinic led by Mindy Yoder follows the tournament. The clinic offers private and semi-private lessons over two days (January 15-17) at $425, including lunch.
Interested participants can sign up here or contact Donna Reese at Pickleballvisions@gmail.com.
With the tournament drawing closer, the enthusiasm among participants is palpable. In Donna's words, "Like the saying goes – ‘If you build it, they will come.' With pickleball - if you plan it, pickleball players will participate!"