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The 2023 Invitational is a three (3) sport, social competition inviting residents of all ten (10) participating communities to showcase their skills in Tennis, Pickleball and Bocce.

DATES:

The Invitational will be held over three (3) consecutive weekends in April 2023. 

• Tennis on April 15-16th (Doubles for Men, Women & Mixed)
• Pickleball on April 22-23rd (Doubles for Men, Women & Mixed)
• Bocce on April 29th-30th (All-Star Division and Beginner Social Bocce team play)

GIVING BACK:

The proceeds from The Invitational registration fees and sponsorships will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association (#ENDALZ).  This was made possible through our institutional partnership with AARP. 

HOW IT WORKS:

Participants will be able to play with friends from their own community or any participating community should your playing partner reside in another participating community.  We will be holding tournaments in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed doubles in Tennis and Pickleball with a team competition in Bocce. For tennis and pickleball there are divisions to accommodate players of all skill levels.

WHAT MAKES THIS TOURNAMENT UNIQUE: 

All three tournaments are being run by certified tournament directors (valenciainvitational.org/team) who will establish the format of play and the corresponding rules for each sport.

• Lauren Levine – USTA Tennis Director of the Year* (2015)
• Dereck Prince – USA Pickleball Association Certified Referee
• Joe Quarterone – Co-Tournament director in Pan Am, US National and Massachusetts bocce tournaments

“This tournament is our 2nd Annual Invitational with this year’s expansion to include tennis and bocce.” shares Catherine Barton, Co-chair of the Invitational.  “We hope to establish this as a legacy event where our residents are given the opportunity to use their athletic skills, foster their competitive spirits, and give back to the community through support of The Alzheimer’s Association. It is estimated that 6.5 million Americans aged 65 and older are diagnosed with Alzheimers (about 10.7% of the population).”  The Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 focused on “accelerating global research, driving risk reduction, and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support”

What are the Valencia Communities?

• 10 “sister” communities in Palm Beach county
• Active adult communities (55 and over)
• Designed and built by GL homes
• Resort-class amenities for the active adult including pools, racquet sports, bocce, ping pong, billiards, fully equipped workout facilities, with assorted fitness classes offered.

Who are the pros running this event?

Lauren Levine

Lauren is from New York, graduated Tulane University and had a career in interior design and furniture before her job as Senior Manager at Stadium Tennis Center, then on to USTA Eastern Adult League Coordinator for the Metro area. Lauren has served as a volunteer on the USTA Junior competition Committee and Eastern College Showcases.  She has been honored as USTA Eastern Tournament Director of the Year.  Lauren currently works at The Westchester Tennis Center.  We are delighted to have Lauren joining us to assist the Tennis Competitions.

Dereck Prince

Dereck is from Vero Beach Florida, a former table tennis, badminton, tennis player who turned pickleball player.  Dereck is an IPTPA certified teaching professional, data analyst, USA referee, and a USAPA pickleball referee trainer.  Dereck runs pb programs in Vero Beach and Port St Lucie where he coaches beginner and intermediate players.  Dereck also does statistical analyses of your game highlighting areas where players can improve.  We are pleased to have Dereck join the Valencia Invitational this year.

Joe “Bocce” Quartarone

Joe is an internationally sanctioned referee, long time volunteer member of Methuen Sons of Italy Bocce Committee, head of delegation and team USA Coach 2019 World Championships in Argentina, head of Delegation and Team USA Coach 2016 Pan Am Women’s championship Brazil, competitor in Pan Am Games and National Silver medalist, competitor in USA Tournament 2017 World Games

Co-Tournament director in Pan Am, US National and Massachusetts bocce tournaments

We are thrilled for Joe to guide our bocce competition this year.

Catherine Barton,
Co-chair of the Invitational Steering Committee

For any questions, interview requests and details please contact:

Catherine Barton
Co-chair of the Invitational Steering Committee

admin@valenciainvitational.org

561-200-0454

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