Pickleball to celebrate newly striped courts at AMP

The Pickleball Federation of the Northern Mariana Islands now has four newly striped pickleball courts at the American Memorial Park. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

To celebrate the newly striped pickleball courts at American Memorial Park, the Pickleball Federation of the Northern Mariana Islands is hosting an inaugural event this Saturday, July 2.

PFNMI president Dr. Nelson Krum in inviting the community to join them for a “fun morning and evening of pickleball and learn about the newest sport on Saipan.”

Pickleball was started in 1965 and is the fastest growing sport in the country. Locally, Krum said the game is now being played seven days a week on Saipan.

Activities slated this Saturday include a crazy eights event from 7am to 10am, a potluck barbecue at 5pm, and evening play from 6pm to 9pm under the best lights on Saipan.

Krum said the pickleball federation is almost two years old and is actually the newest member of the Northern Marianas Sports Association. He is also inviting everyone who wants to try the sport to attend this weekend’s inaugural event.

“Pickleball is easy to pick up as a beginner and loads of fun to play. Free lessons will be given throughout the day. Much laughter and social interaction will be on hand. We will have lots of water and treats. Please bring a dish to the potluck and a chair. We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to a fun new sport!”

With the opening of AMP for pickleball action, the new sport will now have four spanking new courts on island. Following the striping of the court, more than 20 players immediately came out and played.

“About 22 people joined us for our first night’s play! We are in heaven with the wonderful lights, so we can play after work until 10pm!” said Krum’s wife, Donna.

Dr. Krum also thanked the National Park Service, particularly Barbara Alberti, in the resurfacing and striping of the court at AMP.

“It’s wonderful and the culmination of two years’ work! Had over 20 people out for the first night, even with the rain,” he added.

The PFNMI president added that the inaugural event has also attracted pickleball players from the CNMI’s southern neighbor as five players from Guam are coming to take part in the festivities. Krum said the Guamanian players expected to arrive are Ronni Connelly, Derek Alcorn, Albert and Tomi Kronik, and William Josler.

“Five players coming from Guam for our inaugural event! That is huge!”
If you have any questions about PFNMI’s inaugural event, call or text Dr. Nelson Krum at 670-789-8201, or email @ nelsonkrum@msn.com. Let him know if you would like to be added to the Pickleball CNMI Group Chat on Whatsapp.