Bayport-Blue Point High School team sports elective participated in the school’s first bracket-style pickleball tournament this past week.
The tournament was put on as a way to raise awareness and support for the Dezy Strong Foundation. The Dezy Strong Foundation was founded by Matthew and Dezy DiStefano. Dezy was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in February 2019 and sadly passed away in January 2020. The foundation is dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by cancer.
The entire school was invited to attend and cheer on the students and staff as they faced off in this exciting event. In the days leading up to the tournament, students showed their support by purchasing Dezy Strong gear and wearing it the day before and on the day of the tournament.
According to pickleheads.com there are 48.3 million pickleball players in the United States. The growth has been massive as it's popularity has skyrocketed over the years. In fact, Pickleball participation has grown an average of 223.5% over the last three years alone and has become the fastest-growing sport in America for the past four years.