On July 12, 2025, the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter hosted a free youth pickleball tournament at Key Largo Park, welcoming players aged 8 to 21 across beginner, intermediate, and advanced divisions. The event combined friendly competition with community fun, featuring music, dancing, treats, and a 360-photo booth. Participants trained for a week prior and competed for prizes including VISA gift cards, sports gear, and local restaurant vouchers. After the matches, players enjoyed free admission to the Jacobs Aquatic Center for swimming and relaxation, while raffle prizes like electric scooters and premium pickleball sets added excitement.
The tournament fostered not only athletic skill-building but also community connection and youth development, embodying the spirit of the Florida Keys. Winners were recognized in each division, with first-place teams receiving $200 gift cards and prize baskets. The event highlighted how sports can unite young people and families, with the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter continuing to promote such inclusive, supportive activities as pickleball’s popularity grows locally.
