The world’s fastest growing sport has officially landed in Darling Harbour, with Business Sydney, International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by Legends Global, and House of Pickle partnering to present a dynamic pickleball competition designed to bring businesses together to network, have fun and compete for a chance to win major prizes.
The competition was launched today at a ceremony featuring the NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper and a host of other special guests.
The Hon Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Lands and Property; Minister for Multiculturalism; Minister for Sport; Minister for Jobs and Tourism said: “Pickleball is one of the fastest‑growing sports in the world because it’s inclusive, social and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Activations like this encourage healthy lifestyles and help drive visitation, support jobs and strengthen our visitor economy. It’s fantastic to see ICC Sydney, Business Sydney and House of Pickle creating new recreational opportunities that bring people together and showcase the best of our city.”
Susan Lee, A/Chief Executive, Placemaking NSW said: “The addition of pickleball courts on ICC Sydney’s Event Deck will create a dynamic hub for recreation and connection in the heart of the city. Activations like these play an important role in shaping the identity and experience of a precinct and our vision is to create a connection between people and where they live, work and visit. Last year we welcomed 26.4 million people to the precinct due to its world class assets and vibrant activations, and Pickleball will be a fantastic addition to the ICC Sydney’s appeal and Darling Harbour.”
Adam Mather‑Brown, Chief Executive Officer, ICC Sydney said: “At ICC Sydney, we set out to be More Than a Venue, and this pickleball installation is a perfect example of how we can elevate the experience for event organisers, delegates and corporate groups. We are also proud to support the Autumn season pickleball competition and look forward to welcoming competing teams to have fun, play and move in a spectacular location and destination. By transforming an expansive space into something dynamic and engaging, we’re opening up new opportunities for team building, wellness activities and memorable event moments.”
Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director, Business Sydney said the 12-week pickleball competition could only help to enhance the health and wellbeing of participants in the sport and add to the economic wellbeing of the city. He said: “We love Sydney and we love the fact that the CBD is to have its first pickleball competition thanks to ICC Sydney and the House of Pickle. Initiatives of this kind help make Sydney even more vibrant and attractive.