Irene D’Aloisio, Publicity
It’s coming! Warmer weather and the Norris Invitational Tournament (NIT)! The annual Pickleball event is scheduled for March 7-11. This tournament is held at the Cottonwood Pickleball courts in Sun Lakes and is open to all Sun Lakes residents. You can come to watch, or you can sign up and play. Either way, it’s bound to be a fun day. And guess what? Membership in the Sun Lakes Pickleball Club Cottonwood (SLPCC) is not a requirement for entry or attendance. If you don’t play Pickleball but have been curious about it, this is your chance to check it out in your own neighborhood. It’s an exciting and high energy game and it’s said to be the fastest-growing sport in America.
The tournament is a double elimination event with both mixed doubles and doubles. There are five rating categories for the various skill levels: 2.5 through 4.0 plus, which is a mix of 4.0 players and above. It includes 4.5 and 5.0. There will be a minimum of four teams playing in each category starting on Monday, March 7 with the men’s events. Women’s events are on Tuesday and mixed events will follow on Wednesday. All finals will be played on Thursday, March 10, and Friday will be a rain or make-up day. The cost to enter the NIT is $20 a team and prizes will be awarded in each category. The first place team will receive a $100 gift certificate and the second place team will receive a $50 gift certificate. The certificates are good at any Cottonwood or Palo Verde venue.
The SLPCC’s NIT event is huge, and it grows larger every year. The number of this year’s entries is expected to be near 100 so everyone should get their fill of Pickleball that week. The annual event honors Maureen and Dick Norris, Cottonwood’s own Pickleball pioneers, who worked hard for the acquisition of the four Pickleball courts. This is the club’s salute to them!
Player or spectator – doesn’t matter! Come to play or just come for the fun! E-mail us at [email protected] for additional information or questions.