Sadly, I am writing to advise that DinkFest and the APC 2021 in Newcastle have been cancelled due to COVID-19. The organising committee reached this difficult decision in the best interest of public safety and the safety of all pickleball players. It will not be possible to reschedule the APC in Newcastle in 2022. Accordingly, the PAA will call for bids for hosting of the 2022 APC shortly. We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2022 APC!
For those who have registered for DinkFest events and/or for the APC, refunds are being organised. We ask for your patience as we process the refunds. There are several different sources of refunds to be organised: IPTPA (for the coaching certification course), Lizotte’s Restaurant (for the pre-tournament dinner), Revolutionise (for other DinkFest events) and Pickleball Global (for APC registrations). If you do not receive your refunds by September 20th, please contact Jackie at dinkfest@pickleballaus.org.
I want to thank the DinkFest/APC 2021 organising committee for their hard work and support in progressing my vision of a national pickleball festival and an expanded APC – John Morris, Jackie Robinson, Patrick McGovern, Mary Beth Woolley, Sandra Canniff, Marina Haralambous and Hans March. I also wish to thank our sponsors without whom our plans could not have proceeded – Greater Bank (Diamond sponsor); The Pickleball Superstore & PB Sports (Gold sponsors); Pickleball Global, Selkirk & NuPlay (Silver sponsors); and My Pickleball.com & Gearbox (Bronze sponsors). A big thank you also to Newcastle City Council for a grant to support the public engagement and wheelchair pickleball activities planned for DinkFest. A full list of all sponsors and supporters can be found on the DinkFest/APC 2021 website.
Finally, and importantly, I want to thank the PAA for their support, belief and initial approval to host the 2020 APC in Newcastle. And thank you to Hunter Pickleball Inc and to the PANSW for their close collaboration and support.
Everyone, please stay safe and well. Hoping to see you on the courts soon!!
Tony Morgan
DinkFest Director & APC 2021 Tournament Director
