LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — More than 300 players from across the country are traveling to Henderson this weekend to compete in the inaugural UCA National Pickleball Championship.
The tournament is hosted by United Chinese Americans, a nonprofit whose mission is to advocate for civil rights and foster civic engagement. Competition is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29.
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Community over competition
Organizers say the event is about more than trophies.
“Nowadays, people focus too much on what we’re different,” said Feng Xiao of the United Chinese American Pickleball League. “We want people to focus on what we have in common — pickleball is something a lot of people have in common.”
Xiao said the sport has a unique ability to bring people together.
“The best thing about pickleball is the ability to connect,” Xiao said. “It not only helps you get healthier, but it also makes you happier.”
Players have traveled from Arizona, California, New Jersey, Kansas, and elsewhere to participate, Xiao said.
A global reach
At least one player made an international trip for the championship. Han Chen flew in from China on Friday to compete.
“For the last two years in China, pickleball has been really popular,” Chen said. “So, every weekend, we have a nationwide pickleball tournament every week.”
Chen said the draw was not the competition itself.
“I come here looking forward to making more friends, learning some new techniques in how to play,” he said.
Pickleball’s growth in Nevada
The sport has expanded rapidly in Nevada. The state ranks among the top in the country for court availability, with 1,800 dedicated courts. The city of Las Vegas recently broke ground on a $12 million pickleball complex at Wayne Bunker Park.
Globally, the International Pickleball Federation reports the sport has reached more than 70 countries.
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