Tournament is set for Friday, September 6
COCONUT CREEK, FLA. (July 16, 2024) – Tapping intothe fastest growing sport in the U.S., according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals,Broward College Foundation will host the inaugural Broward College Pickleball Challenge, a fun yet challenging competition for players of all levels who share a passion for the game and a desire to further student success initiatives at Broward College. Funds raised from the tournament will support Broward College students by funding scholarships, educational programs and student resources.
Set for Friday, September 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Diadem Pickleball Complex located at the Broward College North Campus, 1000 Coconut Creek Boulevard in Coconut Creek, the Broward College Pickleball Challenge will feature up to 60 teams and 120 players.
“We are so thrilled to host what will be an exciting tournament that is open to pickleball players at all levels,” said Nancy Botero, Chief of Staff for the Broward College Foundation. “We appreciate our enthusiastic committee who are dedicated to supporting our students and are thankful to the players who will join us for this fun, competitive challenge. We are especially grateful to our early sponsors J.P. Morgan Private Bank and Holy Cross Health, and we hope that many others will join in to support this fundraising event.”
The date of the Pickleball Challenge coincides with the 64th anniversary of the founding of Broward College. On September 6, 1960, the Junior College of Broward County opened its doors and welcomed 701 students. With a faculty of 28 and only 19 staffers, classes were held at the former Naval Air Station Junior High on the western edge of what is now the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Broward College has come a long way since then, evolving into one of the nation’s largest and most respected institutions of its type, with a reputation for the pursuit of excellence and service to the diverse communities it serves. Today, Broward College has more than 56,000 students annually and employs a faculty and staff of more than 4,000.
“One of my co-chairs, Ali Murphy, and I have primarily focused our philanthropic efforts in Palm Beach County, but as soon as we met the Broward College Foundation team and learned more about the tremendous impact they have on students, we knew we had to get involved,” said Amy Murphy, a co-chair of the Broward College Pickleball Challenge. “We’re so excited to debut the inaugural pickleball challenge and introduce the Broward College Foundation to an entirely new audience. If you haven’t signed up yet, you should do so soon.”
A round robin tournament format will ensure every player has an opportunity for ample playing time as they compete against others in their division, determined by the skill level of play. Light refreshments will be served throughout the day, followed by an awards presentation.
“I advocate for two things, education and pickleball, so naturally I was all in, and I am thrilled to support Broward College Foundation’s newest endeavor,” said Jonathan Keith, Global Real Estate Advisor with Team JK at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty and a co-chair of the Broward College Pickleball Challenge. “I have the upmost respect for Broward College and everyone who works at the Foundation, and I’m honored to help support this vital educational resource in our community.”
To register for the Broward College Pickleball Challenge, visit giving.broward.edu/pickleball. The cost for an individual player is $200 and sponsorships start at $1,500. For additional information, please contact Elisa Stone at 954-201-7493 or estone1@broward.edu.
ABOUT BROWARD COLLEGE:
Serving approximately 56,000 students annually, Broward College provides residents with certificate programs, two-year university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees, and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs. The mission of the College is to provide high-quality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible to a diverse community of learners. For more information, visit www.broward.edu.
ABOUT BROWARD COLLEGE FOUNDATION:
Established in 1971, the Broward College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the officially designated means of making private, charitable contributions to Broward College. Our purpose is to change lives through education by providing community awareness, advocacy and funding to the college. For more information, visit www.browardcollegefoundation.org.
