Toni Foxx Previews The Crown Cup Pickleball Tournament

Toni Foxx got a chance to sit down and talk with Jason Luther, owner of 11 area Smoothie King locations. Smoothie King has partnered with the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation for inaugural Smoothie King Crown Cup!

“Introducing the inaugural Smoothie King Crown Cup, hosted by the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation—an exciting addition to the pickleball scene! Join us on Saturday, April 27th, at the picturesque Argyle Forest Park for a day of thrilling competition.

Competitive spirits will soar as Men’s and Women’s Tournaments kick off at 8 am, spanning across skill divisions: 3.0 & below, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 & above. The action continues into the afternoon with Mixed Doubles from 1 pm to 5 pm, maintaining the same divisional standards. Entry is just $50 per person per event, with sign-ups conducted as teams. Each team is assured a minimum of three matches, utilizing a round-robin format that could propel you to the championship, where you’ll vie for the coveted title of King or Queen of the Court!”

The foundation is going on its 28th year in existence, and has helped countless youth in the city of Jacksonville with education and life skills!

The foundation has an afterschool program that goes from kindergarten, all the way up into high school to serve as many students as possible in the Jacksonville area!

Founder Mal Washington said “if we can give them more direction, and through our program, education, we are giving them the best chance to succeed.”

Washington said they focus heavily on the rougher areas of Jacksonville to help pull local youth away from violence and negative environments.

The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation is setting the standard in changing the lives, and changing the narrative for so many Jacksonville youth, inspiring them to become leaders and well rounded members of the local community!

The foundation was a vital resource for students during the pandemic, giving them a physical space and resource to pursue their education, even in the midst of Covid 19. They provide internet availability to those who cannot financially afford it, giving many students access to education they did not previously have.

The foundation is expanding their ability to help through a partnership with smoothie king!