Event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at the Knippa Tennis Courts
Article submitted by UvaldeRadio.net
04-08-26
A new community event is bringing neighbors together in Knippa, Texas while helping support efforts to keep the small town clean and welcoming.
During a live interview on UvaldeRadio.net, host Robert Miguel spoke with Connor Kimble of Keep Knippa Beautiful (KKB) about the organization’s upcoming First Annual Pickleball Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at the Knippa Tennis Courts.
Keep Knippa Beautiful is a local volunteer group affiliated with Keep Texas Beautiful, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to empowering Texans to improve and beautify their communities through litter prevention, cleanup projects, and civic engagement.
Kimble explained that the organization formed earlier this year and has already begun tackling projects aimed at improving the appearance and pride of the community. Volunteers have organized trash cleanups around town, adopted a stretch of highway east of Knippa for regular litter pickup, and are planning projects such as installing a new welcome sign near the railroad tracks and restoring the historic cross overlooking town.
“We’re just proud of this place and want to help make it look as good as it can,” Kimble said during the interview.
Kimble himself is originally from nearby Uvalde, Texas. After marrying his wife—a Knippa native—he moved to the small community and quickly became involved in local initiatives. Now a business owner in the area, he says supporting community projects simply felt like the right thing to do.
“All the little towns around here have a lot of pride,” he said. “When you live somewhere like Knippa, everybody knows everybody, and people really care about the place they call home.”
That community spirit is a big reason behind the upcoming pickleball fundraiser. The tournament will feature two-person teams, with 20 total team slots available and both competitive and recreational divisions so players of all skill levels can participate. Entry is $50 per player, and proceeds will go directly toward KKB’s community improvement projects. Organizers also plan to have concessions, merchandise, and prizes for participants.
Even those who don’t play are encouraged to attend.
“Just coming out and supporting the community is a big part of what we’re trying to do,” Kimble said. “It’s about meeting neighbors, having fun, and helping the town at the same time.”
Pickleball itself has exploded in popularity in recent years, and Kimble says part of the sport’s appeal is how accessible it is. Played on a smaller court than tennis and often described as a mix of tennis and ping-pong, the game allows players of different ages and skill levels to compete together.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re young or older—anybody can get out there and play,” he said. “You still get a good workout, but it’s really just a fun social game.”
Registration details, sponsor information, and updates about the event can be found on the Keep Knippa Beautiful Facebook page.
The First Annual Pickleball Tournament begins April 18 at the Knippa Tennis Courts, with organizers hoping it will become a yearly tradition that helps strengthen community pride in the small town of about 850 residents.
Listen to the full interview with Connor in podcast format on demand at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/people-of-uvalde–4346894
