Lyew banking on increased pickleball interest for inaugural tourney

Organisers of the inaugural Jamaica International Amateur Pickleball Tournament are promising an exciting three-day spectacle when the event serves off from May 1–3 at Pickle n Chill in Barbican.

Director of Creative Sports and chief organiser, Donald Lyew, said the anticipation is already building for what is expected to be a vibrant and competitive championship.

“I am feeling good about this tournament because pickleball is taking off big in Jamaica,” said Lyew.

He added that the event is expected to feature a strong local contingent complemented by international players, adding a higher level of competition and experience.

“Majority of the players will be Jamaicans, and so the foreigners will bring that extra professionalism to the tournament because they have the experience,” Lyew said.

“It is going to be a very exciting championship, not only for the players, but also for the spectators because the buildup to this tournament begins now. We have been doing a lot of press, as well as we have been doing a lot of awareness at the premier venue.”

Lyew pointed out that the interest has been high among local players, because they have received a large number of entries so far.

“The Jamaicans are looking forward to competing at the tournament, because we have quite a lot of entries coming in. But we can only accept about 140 entries, and we have made this known to the competitors,” he stated.

With categories ranging from beginners to advanced competitors, Lyew shared that he expects high-quality action across all levels.

“So, we are expecting some exciting matches throughout the competition, and as you know, pickleball is played at various levels. You have beginners, intermediate and advanced, so all categories will have ample amount of people competing at the championships,” he said.

“The venue is in place and we will have two tournament directors, one is the top tournament director in Jamaica, who has over 20 tournaments under her belt; and we are bringing one from overseas, and he is tournament director for seven states in America,” Lyew said.

He is encouraging fans to come out and be part of the experience, noting that the event will offer more than just on-court action.

“I want the fans to come out, because the venue is really nice and the tournament is free, and a lot of food and drinks will be sold here,” Lyew underscored.