1) Commerce Chenango CEO Sal Testani, Norwich Family YMCA Director Jamey Mullen and Youth Bureau Director Anthony Testani. Pickleball Tournament Proceeds Donation. (Submitted photo), 2) Construction on the pickleball court in progress. (Submitted photo)

by Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

NORWICH - In June, Commerce Chenango hosted its inaugural Pickleball Tournament, just a month after National Geographic dubbed pickleball the fastest growing sport in America. This trend is seen in Norwich residents as well.

The proceeds of this event were donated to the Norwich Family YMCA to sponsor one youth membership, and the City of Norwich Youth Bureau to sponsor the nets on the new Weiler Park Pickleball Courts.

The courts should be finished by the end of this week, according to Youth Bureau Director Anthony Testani. “These are the first outdoor courts in Norwich and mark the end of a 3-year process. This has been a need in our community for about 5 years, and we are excited to offer these new courts while maintaining the existing tennis courts.”

Testani stated a specific need for these courts in the youth demographic, citing an increased interest in Pickleball over the past few years. “Three years ago, I had to cancel the Pickleball program because I had two kids sign up. Last year we went on with seven kids, and this year we have 15 who are involved.”

The six new courts are going to include nets, but Testani said four nets are on backorder. Should residents want to play on more than two courts at a time, they will have to bring their own nets for a couple of weeks until the permanent ones arrive.

This construction was made possible by the RC Smith Foundation and the Fred Mirabito Foundation. Testani stated that the construction of these courts did not use taxpayer funds. Commerce Chenango and the City of Norwich Youth Bureau are excited for these courts to be completed and enjoyed by the community.