Greensboro, N.C., recently hosted North Carolina’s first USA Pickleball Golden Ticket tournament, attracting over 200 players competing for a chance to advance to the USA Pickleball National Championships in San Diego this November. This event marked a significant moment for the local pickleball community, offering players the opportunity to compete close to home and potentially qualify for the national stage. The tournament is part of a series of national qualifiers held in 19 states.
In addition to the competition, USA Pickleball partnered with the Special Olympics in Greensboro to host an adaptive pickleball clinic and donated equipment to support ongoing community programming. About 25 participants, some new to the sport, benefited from this initiative, ensuring continued access to pickleball beyond the event. This effort highlights USA Pickleball’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement alongside its competitive events.