South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Delray Beach family shines on the courts
The third annual World Pickleball Open presented by Kolter Homes was deemed a success by organizers as over 700 total matches took place for four days recently at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center.
Players from eight countries — United States, Albania, American Samoa, Belize, Canada, Spain and the Netherlands — participated. There were also 25 U.S. states represented.
The 2022 World Pickleball Open was the first to take place from the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center, where the action took place on 17 newly resurfaced dedicated pickleball courts.
“We had a super event and were thrilled with the participation,” said tournament director Ivan Baron. “We had incredible weather days one to three of the event, and I want to thank our incredible team and all of those who came out to put together this great event.”
The final day of the tournament was washed out due to bad weather just before noon.
The Johnsons, a DelrayBeach pickleball family, were the story of the 2022 World Pickleball Open presented by Kolter Homes. Julie, JW and Jorja Johnson secured gold medals in every pro division in which they participated.
Julie secured the Pro Senior Mixed Doubles Championship and JW captured the Pro Men’s Doubles Title while Jorja won gold in both the Pro Mixed Doubles and Pro Women’s Doubles divisions.
“JW, Jorja and I were so excited to play a tournament so close to home where our friends could come out and support us,” Julie said. “We had a great time playing here and I was proud of the kids both winning gold, I’m trying to keep up with them.”
The Sunshine State is becoming known for its passionate pickleball community, and the event created a fun and friendly atmosphere in which amateur and professional pickleball enthusiasts got a chance to battle it out on the courts.
“Pickleball is a community builder, and why Kolter Homes has put such an emphasis on making great pickleball a part of our communities,” said John Manrique, senior vice president of Kolter Homes. “We proudly support events like the World Pickleball Open that bring people together from across the country and world to build a community around this wonderful game.”
The event attracted participants of all ages, including 16 competitors under 18 as well as many over 65.
General admission was free. Many children’s toys were brought by attendees for the WPO Holiday
Toy Drive Giveaway. All new toys, books, puzzles,
games, craft supplies, dolls and other toys were donated
to local hospitals via Smith Smiles Toy Donations.