NORWICH – After a successful inaugural tournament last June in downtown Norwich, the Commerce Chenango Pickleball Tournament returns for its second year this Saturday, August 9. This year’s event will be held on the newly constructed pickleball courts at the Borden Avenue hockey and skating rink.

More than 60 teams are expected to participate, an increase from the 44 teams who played last year on the Norwich streets during what many called the “Gus Macker of Pickleball.”

“It’s nice to see the increase in teams this year,” said Commerce Chenango President Sal Testani. “We are building momentum, and it shows that pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport, especially in our area. The proceeds from last year’s tournament helped fund the new nets, which are now being used every day.”

Testani praised Anthony Testani and the Youth Bureau for their vision in creating outdoor pickleball courts and putting the hockey rink to greater use.

“Anthony Testani and the Youth Bureau did an amazing job,” Sal Testani said. “They continue to do great work investing in the youth of Chenango County. The hockey rink is now used year-round, with six beautiful pickleball nets in the warmer months and ice skating in the winter.”

Youth Bureau President Anthony Testani expressed his excitement about having the tournament at the new location.

“I think it’s fantastic to hold the tournament on the pickleball courts this year,” he said. “While the courts have been open for about a year, this event gives us the opportunity to showcase them. We will have bleachers set up for spectators, and I hope people who didn’t know about the courts will come down and check them out.”

Proceeds from this year’s tournament will once again benefit the Youth Bureau, which continues to offer innovative programming for youth throughout Chenango County.

“This year, we introduced several new programs, including art classes, guitar lessons, and our STEM club,” Anthony Testani said. ““With funds raised from this event, we hope to expand and offer these again—and we’re always open to new ideas.”

The tournament is open to all ages and skill levels. The youngest participant this year is around 11 or 12, while the oldest is 86.

“Pickleball is easy and fun to play,” said Sal Testani. “It is great to see competitive matches at the higher levels, but also to see people getting outside, staying active in the parks, and engaging with the community.”

Games will be held on the six pickleball courts at the Borden Avenue rink, and additional matches will take place at the tennis courts at Weiler Park, which will be lined up for pickleball. Women’s doubles will be played from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by mixed doubles from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and men’s doubles from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Local player Sue Heiss, who has been playing pickleball for more than 10 years, will be participating in the tournament on Saturday morning. She is also known for mentoring beginners and playing with her advanced group.

“This is a great tournament for players of all ages and skill levels,” Heiss said. “It is also a great way to stay healthy and active.”

In addition to the tournament matches, the event will feature food from Kandi’s Kitchen, live entertainment, and a DJ.

“We will begin setting up the courts on Friday, and we encourage people to come out and play,” Sal Testani said. “There will also be a net set up for demonstrations and lessons. We hope to grow the tournament next year and eventually play under the lights.”

The 2nd Annual Commerce Chenango Pickleball Tournament kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday. Come see what pickleball is all about and join in on the fun.