top of page

The 2025 Annual Pickleball Festival Welcomes Houston Olympic & Paralympic Association to Raise Funds for Local STEM Youth & Sports Programs

STEM·E Youth Career Development Program

Andria Balogh

(713) 817-4030


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/30/2024


HOUSTON, Texas – October 30, 2024 – The STEM·E Youth Career Development Program is excitedly preparing for the return of the Annual Pickleball Festival, in partnership with Greater Houston Pickleball and Houston Parks & Recreation, welcoming a new partner to the team, the US Olympians & Paralympians Association Houston Chapter, to co-host the 2025 Annual Pickleball Festival + Tournament on February 22, 2025 at the Memorial Park Tennis Center. This family-friendly event is geared towards raising funds to support local STEM youth education & sports programs across the Greater Houston area.


“We are thrilled to welcome another fabulous fundraising partner to our team, supporting both youth STEM education and sports. This multi-faceted collaboration signifies the importance of holistically developing and supporting well-rounded, happy individuals, from youth to adulthood, in both mind and body,” says Andria Balogh, Executive Director of STEM·E.


The annual festival includes a growing pickleball tournament and numerous activities that promise to be fun for the whole family, including a bouncy house, corn hole toss, face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, and amazing raffles and silent auction. Partner agencies will be present to provide information about community programs, with opportunities to sign up and participate.


This past April, the Annual Pickleball Festival raised over $20,000 in support of local youth education. “Our Inaugural event was a success, and we are hoping to make an even bigger impact in 2025 with the addition of a new partner. By participating in this event, you are supporting 4 phenomenal organizations that serve the community and aim to give back in a great way” says Balogh. “All are welcome to join. Let’s have some fun and serve the community at the same time!”


To learn more about the Annual Pickleball Festival and purchase tickets, go to https://www.steme.org/pickleball-festival.


To sponsor, donate, or support this event and programs, learn more at https://www.steme.org/pickleball-festival and contact Andria Balogh.


About STEM·E Youth Career Development Program

The STEM·E Youth Career Development Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that globally educates youth in critical skills and professional development through easily accessible and affordable integrated STEM and Entrepreneurship education, enhancing students’ potential for future success and generating the workforce and leaders of tomorrow (steme.org).


About Greater Houston Pickleball


Greater Houston Pickleball is your organization that represents pickleball and the growing number of players in the greater Houston area. We are here to grow the game of pickleball for the health and well-being of our members, through competition, social interaction and improving neighborhoods with additional pickleball facilities. We will represent the Greater Houston pickleball community in discussions with governmental bodies and private facilities.


About the Houston Parks & Recreation Youth Program


Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) is happy to partner with the STEM·E Youth Career Development Program and the Greater Houston Pickleball Association. A portion of event proceeds will support HPARD’s youth sports programs specifically to pilot a youth pickleball program. HPARD has added 47 pickleball courts at our neighborhood tennis courts around the city, and the number is continuing to grow. HPARD is also in the planning stages for a pickleball facility. We are looking to develop youth opportunities in and around the city for pickleball.


About the US Olympians & Paralympians Association Houston Chapter

The USOPA-Houston Chapter is the powerhouse of greatness. The home to more than 100 impressive Olympians and Paralympians, of which over 65% are gold medalists. Our mission is to inspire and promote positive Olympic and Paralympic momentum within our communities by serving as ambassadors for the sole purpose and of the Olympic movement and ideals. The members support its chapter by participating in organized chapter meetings, public events, and fundraising. The unique experience of being an Olympian/Paralympian demonstrates the quality and extraordinary values we offer to our communities. As an organization of champions, we can effectively change, influence and activate others in society through our position as positive role models.  For more information, visit USOPAHoustonChapter.com


Contact: Andria Balogh, Executive Director of the STEM·E Youth Career Development Program, 713-817-4030, info@steme.org, https://www.steme.org/pickleball-festival



###


6 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page