The Alternative Press

 

The event had to be rescheduled due to the recent storm. It was held in cooperation with the Summit Department of Community Programs and it was scheduled on a Friday night for the first time. All levels of play are welcome in the Round Robin tournament. 

 

Summit Police Officers join with the PAL to play the youth in ping pong matches. The youngsters who participated had the chance to win an iPod or one of four gift certificates and the possibility of a raffle prize.

 

This year, the Ping Pong Tournament was combined with the popular Friday Night Dance Party.  More than 75 of the tweens who attended were registered to play ping pong and over 100 youth in total attended the event to enjoy DJ music provided by Mike Fusco's Summit Soundz and enjoy refreshments. 

 

Ray Merritt, vice president of the PAL, was instrumental  in organizing the event. It has been held for more than 25 years and has been a growing success.

 

"The event is a great kickoff to PAL's special event season," Merritt said.  Members of the Summit PAL were available to assist with all of the activities that the evening entailed. 

 

Some of the tween's parents dropped off their children and several stayed to watch. Henry Daas brought his son, Marc. They spent some time playing ping-pong together before the tournament. Henry Daas said of the game, "It's good for all ages." While ping pong supplies were provided for everyone, if players had a favorite paddle, they could bring it along. 

The Summit PAL is a volunteer organization that depends on the generosity of local businesses and residents and the Annual Ping Pong Tournament is funded by PAL's donors. Donations to the Summit PAL are always welcome.  The organization works with local youth and the Summit Police Department to foster healthy relationships with the Police Department and encourage positive activities for kids. For more information on the Summit PAL, visit their web site at www.summitpal.com.