ASSOCIATION OF PICKLEBALL PLAYERS ANNOUNCES HISTORIC SPONSORSHIP WITH THE JAMES AT OHIO STATE

–News Direct–

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) announced today a landmark sponsorship with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC James), one of the nations leading cancer research and treatment centers. The OSUCCC James is now the presenting sponsor of the inaugural APP Womens Open, which will take place Oct. 4-6, 2024, at Pickle & Chill in Columbus, Ohio and broadcast nationally, to kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Evident in its name, this APP Signature Event will be a global platform for female competitors at all levels. The professional and amateur tournament will offer $75,000 in prize money and feature women competing in doubles and singles, including skinny singles for women 50 and over. The event will also feature social programming and entertainment designed to celebrate and fuel the growth of pickleball for women, ultimately creating a healthier and more active community. All key elements of the vibrant, multi-day event will be presented by womenfrom players and referees to administrators and broadcasters.

I am thrilled to stand alongside The James to elevate and celebrate women in pickleball and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, said Shannon Dan, APP EVP of global partnerships. The APP Womens Open presented by The James will be part tournament, part festival and 100% fun for women of all ages and skill levels. Its an event designed by and for women: a place to compete, celebrate and connect.

The OSUCCC James is a world-class cancer treatment and research institution. It has been a designated National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1976 and has been one of the top cancer hospitals in the nation as ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 25 years. It also has achieved Magnet recognition, the highest honor an organization can receive for quality patient care and professional nursing practice. With 21 floors, more than 1.1 million square feet and 356 inpatient beds, The James is the third-largest cancer hospital in the nation.

In addition to the presenting sponsorship of the APP Womens Open, The James has been named the official and exclusive hospital of the upcoming 2024 APP Vlasic Classic in Cincinnati on May 7-12, and for the APP Tour beginning in 2025.

Pickle & Chill in Columbus, Ohio, the largest dedicated indoor/outdoor pickleball facility in the Midwest, will host the first-of-its kind pickleball event. Founded in November 2022, Pickle & Chill features 19 total courts, a 30,000-square-foot event plaza, and an indoor bar and mezzanine space. Additional information on registration, tickets and more will be available at theapp.global.

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About The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute:

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC James), is the only cancer program in the United States that features a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center aligned with a nationally ranked academic health center and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nations largest public universities.

The OSUCCC James has been designated as an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1976. Also, it is one of only a few centers funded by the NCI to conduct both phase I and phase II clinical trials on novel anticancer agents provided by the NCI.

As the cancer programs adult patient-care component, The James is one of the top cancer hospitals in the nation as ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 25 years and has achieved Magnet recognition, the highest honor an organization can receive for quality patient care and professional nursing practice. With 21 floors, more than 1.1 million square feet and 356 inpatient beds, The James is the third-largest cancer hospital in the nation.

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) provides opportunities for pickleball players of all ages and skill levelsprofessionals, amateurs and recreationalto compete in world-class pickleball events for the opportunity to win prize money and be seen on more than 40 hours of nationally televised pickleball action on CBS Sports, ESPN and FOX Sports. Since its launch in 2019, the APP has operated the first and only pro and amateur pickleball tour fully and officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball and became the first pickleball organization ever to establish an official headquarters and training center with The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The APP Tours 2024 schedule features the most robust pickleball showcase across pro and amateur competitions, with 20 events across the country offering various combinations of single, doubles and mixed doubles play as well as pro team competitions. The APP prides itself on growing the game and developing the next generation of pickleball champions through its nationwide network of APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues and the Doubles Dink for Cancer fundraising program benefitting the American Cancer Society; support of international pickleball events and the APPs Atlantic Cup, featuring Team USA vs. Team Europe; and youth initiatives including the APP Junior Circuit, APP Next Gen Series and APP Next Gen U.S. National Team. The 2024 tournament schedule, recent news and additional information about the APP are available at theapp.global and on Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.