Sports have come a long way since the ancient Greeks wrestled and raced their way to glory. We’ve seen the evolution of new disciplines among old, familiar sports (beach volleyball and synchronized swimming, for example) – and we’ve also seen the emergence of entirely new sports. From drone racing to esports to competitive marching band, we are constantly redefining sports and to finding new ways to host them. In this, our awards issue, we see both new and familiar sports, and we honor all of them. It’s because of everyone that our industry is so strong, so vibrant and so varied.
The sport that first became the go-to for players of racquet sports who found the smaller court easier on their joints, pickleball is growing a younger demographic as well. Cities across the nation are courting an ever-widening array of tournaments – and even adding new facilities to keep pace. more....