On the evening of July 27, the courts at Folsom Lake College in Folsom, California buzzed with excitement as a lively pickleball exhibition match unfolded, organized by a dedicated group of Chinese-Americans. The event, hosted across six courts at once, created an atmosphere filled with energy and camaraderie.

This marked the fourth installment of the Folsom Pickleball Friendship Tournament. The organizing committee, made up of players Ding Wei, Liu Cui, Jean Shen, and Wei Yusheng, introduced a fresh set of competition rules this year. Media representatives not only participated in the matches but also took the opportunity to interview members of the organizing team.

Since its establishment on August 3, 2023, the Folsom Pickleball team has experienced significant growth, expanding from just a few members to nearly a hundred in just one year. The committee believes that hosting regular competitions not only enhances players’ skills but also builds a sense of unity and friendship within the community. The first two tournaments featured fixed partner play, the third introduced rotating partners, and this latest edition embraced a fully mixed doubles format, drawing in 24 enthusiastic participants.

Ding Wei, the chairman of the organizing committee, shared that the tournament’s success stemmed from the collective efforts of everyone involved. From researching venues and securing prizes to procuring equipment and maintaining order, the commitment and enthusiasm shown by players were truly inspiring. A seasoned event organizer, Ding took great care in arranging matches while also dedicating time to help beginners improve their skills.

Volunteers were essential to the tournament’s success as well. Players like Jessica, Helen, and John ensured smooth operations by keeping score and maintaining order, while Shirley and Betty provided much-appreciated fruits and snacks for all participants. The organizing committee expressed heartfelt thanks and high praise for the invaluable contributions of the volunteers.

As the friendly matches wrapped up, players gathered for joyous photos, already eager for their next meetup. Members of the organizing committee revealed that the next tournament is scheduled for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, further fueling the excitement within the community.