YMCA Bethesda to Host Pickleball Fundraiser with the Pros May 17

YMCA Metropolitan DC Launches Partnership with Global Pickleball Brand JOOLA with

Paddles with a Purpose

YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase Offers Opportunity to Play with the Pros May 17

What:
YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase to host Paddles with a Purpose the official kick-off to the Y’s partnership with global pickleball brand JOOLA, which is headquartered in Gaithersburg.
The two-day event will offer both the public and YMCA members the chance to team up with JOOLA participating touring and junior pros including Bobbi Oshiro (currently ranked #4 on the Women’s APP Tour) and Johnny Goldberg (current head coach, Miami Pickleball Club of Major League Pickleball). Full schedule line-up below.
The JOOLA partnership is particularly notable because the global brand’s founder got his start playing at the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase.

"Before launching JOOLA Pickleball, my introduction to this amazing sport started with a few pickleball lessons at my YMCA in Maryland," said Richard Lee, CEO & Owner of JOOLA. "Now, as JOOLA has become a global leader in pickleball, I have the incredible opportunity to give back to the very community that helped me learn how to play this wonderful game."

The partnership will bring more pickleball options to the community. Regarding the partnership and expanded playing opportunities, Pamela Curran, President & CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington offers “At the Y, partnerships are more than just collaborations—they’re bridges that bring communities together through shared passion and purpose.Our new partnership with JOOLA represents a dynamic opportunity to expand access to healthy living and active play through the fast-growing sport of pickleball. Together, we’re not just adding a program—we’re creating a movement that invites individuals of all ages and backgrounds to connect, compete, and thrive. Welcome to a new era of play, wellness, and community.”

When:
May 17 10am-5pm

10am Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: the official dedication of Richard Lee Court, the new home for signature pickleball events at the YMCA, powered by JOOLA.

10-11am Meet & Greet with the Pros: Connect with JOOLA’s participating touring and junior pros, top pickleball players and fellow pickleball enthusiasts.

11am-12:30pm Instructional Clinic: learn from the best with hands-on coaching from TEAM JOOLA and the YMCA.

1pm-3pm & 3pm-5pm Round Robin Play: registrants will play along with JOOLA pros and favorite YMCA pickleball coaches.

JOOLA Paddle Demos: Throughout the day attendees can test drive a new JOOLA paddles

Where:
YMCA Bethesda Chevy Chase 9401 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814

Register:
https://www.ymcadc.org/join-us-for-paddles-with-a-purpose/#1746023137305-dee2d4d0-ab5a