Palm Beach Royals Honor South Florida Veterans With Community Pickleball Celebration

The Palm Beach Royals, South Florida’s premier-level Major League Pickleball (MLP) team, welcomed approximately 60 local veterans and their families to Howard Park in West Palm Beach on Saturday, July 25, for a special Veterans Appreciation Event celebrating service, patriotism and community through the sport of pickleball.

Hosted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, New York Life and The Energy Drink, the event featured beginner-friendly pickleball instruction, open play led by instructors from the National Women's Pickleball Foundation, music throughout the day by DJ Hollywood Dro, and opportunities for veterans and their families to connect in a fun, welcoming environment.

The afternoon began with the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a patriotic tone for the event before veterans took to the courts to learn and play. During halftime, country music artist and first responder Gabriel Key delivered a special live performance, honoring veterans through music while recognizing the shared spirit of service that unites military members and first responders.

“It was truly an honor to bring our veteran community together for a day dedicated to connection, wellness and appreciation,” said Nikki Roth, Director of Community Engagement for the Palm Beach Royals. “The incredible turnout and energy throughout the day reminded us how powerful sports can be in bringing people together. Supporting those who have served our country is deeply important to our organization, and we're excited to continue creating meaningful events that strengthen our community.”

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs were on site throughout the event, providing information on available benefits, enrollment assistance and wellness resources while connecting attendees with valuable local services in a relaxed, community-focused setting.

New York Life supported the event as a community partner with hydration packs, energy bars and snacks, while The Energy Drink kept participants refreshed throughout the afternoon with complimentary beverages and hydration.

The Veterans Appreciation Event reflects the Palm Beach Royals' commitment to making a positive impact beyond the pickleball court by creating opportunities that bring people together through sport, service and community engagement.

For more information about the Palm Beach Royals, please visit palmbeachroyals.com and follow along at X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and the newly launched team store.