Peggy Martin

The Sun Lakes Pickleball Club Cottonwood (SLPCC) has opened Norris Invitational Tournament (NIT) registration to all players in Cottonwood, Palo Verde, Sun Lakes Phase 1, IronOaks, Springfield, and SunBird communities. The registration fee is $25 per person. You can register online at www.slpcc.net/upcoming-events. Scroll down until you come to March 4. Click on Register if you’re playing Women’s Doubles or Men’s 75+ Division. Scroll further for March 5 and click on Register for Mixed Doubles or 75+ Mixed Doubles. Scroll further to March 6 and click on Register for Men’s Doubles and Women’s 75+ Division.

This is the 10th Annual NIT, held March 4, 5, 6, and 7 on the pickleball courts at Cottonwood Country Club, 25630 S. Brentwood Drive. The NIT tournament is named for Maureen and Dick Norris who first brought pickleball to Cottonwood Palo Verde, playing on a blacktop parking lot at Sisk Park!

Men and women tournament brackets are divided by numerical skill levels: a 2.0 player is a beginner, a 2.5 player is a novice, a 3.0 player is an intermediate player, a 3.5 player is an advanced intermediate player, and a 4.0 player is an advanced player capable of hitting pretty terrific shots. Tournament play will be a foursome of all women, all men, and mixed doubles.

Sponsorships are still available. There will be daily 50/50s and a basket raffle, with all proceeds going to Sun Lakes charities. The 2023 NIT raised $2,500 for Neighbors Who Care, a nonprofit agency serving the needs of our Sun Lakes family. Vendors, food, and drink will be open and available for purchase by all fans.

Whether you’re a player or a fan, mark your calendars for March 4 to 7 and join us for a week of great pickleball, food, and drink while supporting the important work of our Sun Lakes nonprofit community.

Please direct all questions, including vendor and sponsor, to [email protected]. See you at the 2024 NIT!