Immediately following the jubilant celebrations of the Spring Festival marking the auspicious Year of the Loong in 2024, the Florida Overseas Chinese Federation's CASEC PEAK BALL ASSOCIATION is gearing up to stage a magnificent PICKLE BALL tournament. With the unwavering backing of President Guo Rui from Florida Hualian, this event is proudly sponsored by Florida Hualian (CASEC) and meticulously organized by the Florida Hualian Pik Association. Furthermore, it boasts the collaboration of esteemed clubs such as the Supreme Pik Club, Great Wall Pik Club, ACPC Pickleball Club, and the Orlando Flying Dragon Pik Club (occupying the esteemed first and last positions). Generously sponsored by "New York Life," the primary objective of this championship is to foster sports fitness within the Chinese community. On the vibrant March 3rd, the esteemed 2024 CASEC Pickleball Championship unfolded successfully at the Halpatiokee Regiona, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic spectators and participants alike.

Chen Han, the esteemed President of the Florida Hualian Pickleball Association, holds dual credentials as a PPR coach for the American Pickleball League and a certified referee with the United States Amateur Ping Pong Association. Over the past two years, Coach Chen has diligently advocated for the growth of badminton within the Chinese community, both in the United States and China. Additionally, he serves as the Chairman and Chief Training and Certification Mentor of the Chinese Minority Sports Association's Pitting Committee, further expanding his influence and expertise in the field.

Led by President Chen Han, the competition committee, composed of 15 dedicated members, successfully attracted outstanding pcikleball enthusiasts from nine regional cities, including Stuart, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, Boca, Coral Springs, Weston, Miami, Naples, and Orlando. A total of 17 teams, comprising 102 players, were organized into Groups A and B for thrilling team matches. The event was a testament to the commitment and enthusiasm of the participants, underscoring the growing popularity of badminton in these communities.

Speech by Guo Rui, President of Florida Hualian

That fateful noon, due to unfavorable weather conditions, the competition was reluctantly postponed by two hours. Nevertheless, during the hiatus, the organizing committee, led by Chen Han and Xiao Feng, orchestrated an engaging lottery activity. This lively interlude kept the players' spirits high with an array of attractive prizes, eagerly anticipating the upcoming intense competition.

After an exhilarating five-hour stretch of intense matches, the Great Wall GARDEN team emerged victorious in Group B, securing first place, while the Orlando Dragons claimed a respectable second spot, and the Boca team bagged a bronze medal. In Group A, the championship and runner-up battles were particularly intense. In a thrilling finish, the Guangdong Overseas Chinese men's doubles team clinched the championship medal by a narrow one-point margin, with the Great Wall GARDEN team settling for silver, and the Orlando Flying Dragons rounding out the podium in third place.

The esteemed Vice President of Florida Hualian, Fan Xiaofang, gracefully presided over the award ceremony. President Guo Rui of Florida Hualian took the stage first, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all members and volunteers of the competition organizing committee for their tireless efforts. He also thanked New York Life for their generous sponsorship and congratulated the winners on their outstanding achievements. Special mention was made to welcome friends from Orlando and Naples who had traveled to participate in the competition organized by Florida Hualian.

Representing the sponsor, Ms. Amy, spoke with warmth and sincerity. As a long-standing supporter of CASEC, she stated that New York Life, represented by accountant Song Manping and her financial planning team, felt honored to once again serve as the title sponsor of the CASEC Pickleball Championship this year. She expressed gratitude to the Chinese community, loyal customers, and friends who had long supported and trusted them. On behalf of Mr. Song and her team, she extended heartfelt thanks to the organizing committee's leadership, all members, volunteers, and participants who had contributed to the smooth and successful holding of this competition.

Speech by sponsor representative Amy

Guo Rui, the esteemed President of Florida Hualian, along with Yan Yaoyang, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Ms. Amy, representing the sponsors, Mo Lian, Chairman of the Florida Hualian Supervision Committee, Lawyer Xiao Feng, serving as the Legal Advisor of Florida Hualian, Xiao Zhenhua, Representative of the Great Wall Club, Luo Yihe, Representative of the Orlando Flying Dragon Club, and a cadre of other esteemed guests, graciously presented medals and prizes to the victorious teams mentioned earlier. The ceremony was a testament to the hard work and dedication of all participants, and a celebration of their remarkable achievements.

Group B's group photo.

Group A's top three in a group photo.

Presentation guests, seated from left to right, were Luo Yihe, the gracious host Fan Xiaofang, Chen Han, Guo Rui, Amy, Xiao Feng, Mo Lian, and Yan Yaoyang.

This competition enjoyed robust support from the committee, seventeen teams, and a significant number of volunteers. Xiao Feng devoted considerable time to developing a comprehensive scoring system for the game. Local dignitaries, including Wang Yong, Xiao Zhenhua, and Ji Jie, actively collaborated with the committee in surveying the venue, relocating tables, and disposing of garbage. Tu Yan and Mo Hailong took charge of providing drinking water and medal production, while Mo Lian contributed to the preparation of competition forms and other vital documents. Liu Manli kindly sponsored eighteen storage bags, and Zeng Yingqing assisted in designing an eye-catching banner for the Pique Association. Feng Lin assisted with registration fees, and photographers Yan Yaoyang, Mu Aiping, Xiaoying, and Gu Binghe captured the exciting moments of the competition, leaving behind indelible memories. We extend heartfelt gratitude to all for your tireless efforts!

            Finally, amidst a peaceful and joyful atmosphere, President Chen Han of the Florida Hualian Pickleball Association triumphantly announced the conclusion of the game, expressing his eager anticipation for the reunion of all participants in the future.