For Immediate Release August 17, 2024
CT-BASED ROSSETTI BROTHERS ACHIEVE NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® TITLE* FOR LONGEST PICKLEBALL VOLLEY RALLY IN SUPPORT OF FAIRFIELD-BASED SAVE THE CHILDREN
Rossetti Brothers Hit More Than 10,000 Volleys to Support the Global Humanitarian Organizationon August 17 at Pickleball America in Stamford, Conn.
*The record will not be official until Guinness World Records reviews the video tape for the exact shot count.
STAMFORD, Conn. (Aug. 17, 2024) – Angelo A. and Ettore Rossetti, known as The Rossetti Brothers, have set a new unofficial Guinness World Records® title for the “Longest pickleball volley rally.” On Saturday, Aug. 17, the identical twins hit more than 10,000 consecutive volleys without a bounce in exactly two hours. Their record attempt was part of Pickleball Rally for Charity, a special event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for global humanitarian organization Save the Children. The event took place at Pickleball America in Stamford, Conn., and was livestreamed on Save the Children’s YouTube channel, where viewers were able to witness this thrilling challenge and history being made.
The Rossetti Brothers have a history of attempting Guinness World Records® titles to fundraise for charity, successfully raising over $250,000 for Save the Children and other organizations. Today’s achievement represents their fourth title within eight attempts. In 2008, they rallied a tennis ball for 14 hours and 31 minutes. In 2015, on Roger Federer’s birthday, they set the Guinness World Records® title for the longest tennis volley rally with 30,576 consecutive volleys in 5 hours and 28 minutes. Most recently, on October 10, 2021—World Mental Health Day—they set the Guinness World Records® title record for the longest pickleball rally, completing 16,046 shots in 6 hours and 11 minutes.
“My two keywords were hopeful and grateful. I was hopeful that we would set a new record and I am grateful for my family, friends, volunteers, donors and sponsors. Without them, it would not have been possible” said Ettore Rossetti, Head Advisor for Emerging Technology, Innovation & Partnerships at Save the Children. An industry thought leader and trend spotter, he has innovated ways to raise money by adopting emerging trends and technologies, including livestream peer-to-peer fundraising, crypto philanthropy, and pickleball.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, having increased by 51.8% from 2022 to 2023 and a remarkable 223.5% over three years, according to the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report. Although pickleball initially gained popularity among older players, the sport is now enjoyed by people of all ages, including children and youth. The largest age bracket is 18-34 years old, comprising 28.8% of players.
“I was filled with peaceful excitement today honoring our mom and supporting Save the Children at the same time” said Angelo A. Rossetti, co-founder of Rossetti Brothers Pickleball. “This was by far the most challenging of our four world records,” he added.
Guinness World Records™ Ltd. set the bar at 10,000 consecutive volleys without a bounce to earn the title. “This challenge was insane. I loved the ambitious goal. If anyone could do it, it was the Rossetti brothers,” said Thomas Shields, Founder of Dink & Upswing Sports. By definition, a volley is a shot hit out of the air before it touches the court. In pickleball, this difficulty is heightened by a seven feet non-volley zone on either side of the net.
“Pickleball America is proud to be hosting this momentous event,” said Jay Waldner, co-owner of Pickleball America. “Pickleball is a great platform for people of all ages to come together for a common cause while having fun and engaging in a healthy activity” said Jay Ross, co-owner of Pickleball America. “We are grateful that the Rossetti Brothers chose our facility to host the Save the Children fundraiser. It is fitting that two Americans (twins no less) set a new Guinnness World Records title at Pickleball America” said Bret Herman, General Manager.
This Pickleball Rally for Charity also included open play and the Rossetti Brothers popular Dink or Drive™ up and down the ladder challenge, played like a version of pickleball chutes and ladders. The players accumulating the most points won gold, silver and bronze Guinness World Records® medals.
In addition, participants received custom-manufactured paddles for the event, courtesy of Engage Pickleball. “We are excited to support the Rossetti brothers in their world record for charity,” said Robert and Jodi Elliott, owners of Engage Pickleball. “We’re happy to provide commemorative paddles as our small way to support a big cause.”
Ahead of the event, the pickleball community was quick to support this challenge and cause.
“Meeting Angelo and Ettore was so great. You will love their energy right away. Down to the core, great guys, very real and incredibly sharp. I am so moved by the charity work they do and with that, everything they do for pickleball. We need more people like Angelo and Ettore,” commented Salome Devidze, World #1 APP Tour women’s singles player.
“I love Angelo and Ettore’s ambition, creativity and charity, which makes rooting for them very easy. I can’t wait to see them crush another pickleball world record!” added Zane Navratil, world #2 APP men’s singles player and Co-Host of the PicklePod.
8-time tennis Grand Slam champion, Ivan Lendl, said ” Go and watch the Rossetti brothers beat the record! They are nuts.”
The Rossetti brothers aim to raise at least $10,000 to match their 10,000-volley rally attempt for Save the Children. Donations can be pledged by texting PICKLEBALL to 707070 or on the event website www.rallyforcharity.org, powered by Pledge via credit card, crypto, stock, Venmo and Apple Pay.
About Save the Children
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we’ve been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that Save the Children is a charity you can trust. To learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
About The Rossetti Brothers
The Rossetti Brothers, Angelo and Ettore, are certified USPTA Elite tennis teaching professionals for more than 30 years. The brothers are also USTA members and USA Pickleball members. Angelo is also a USPTA, IPTPA, PPR and DUPR/Tyson McGuffin certified teaching professional who serves as the Founder of Rossetti Brothers Pickleball. Ettore is also a IPTPA certified pickleball pro and serves as Head Advisor of Emerging Technology, Innovation & Partnerships at Save the Children. Follow the Rossetti Brothers on the Web: www.RallyforCharity.org and on social @rallyforcharity, #pickleballpledge, #pickleballrallyforcharity or #twinpossible. On TeamReach code “RossettiBros.” Facebook.com/rossettibrotherspickleball
Media Contacts:
Jordyn Linsk: 475-225-3160, jlinsk@savechildren.org
Angelo A. Rossetti: 203-996-4417, pickleball@rallyforcharity.org
Ettore Rossetti: 203-919-2215, pickleball@rallyforcharity.org
Editor’s Note:
Ettore and Angelo Rossetti are available for print and broadcast interviews upon request.
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Photos Courtesy Joe Fernandez/Pickleball America unless otherwise stated.
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| Stamford Advocate |
PICKLEBALL RALLY FOR CHARITY 2024: GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® TITLE ATTEMPT FOR LONGEST PICKLEBALL VOLLEY
Rossetti Brothers Target 10,000 Volleys to Support
Save the Children on August 17 at Pickleball America, Stamford.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 1, 2024
Media Contacts:
For Rossetti Brothers Pickleball: Angelo A. Rossetti angelo@rossettibrothers.com, 203-996-4417 (M)
For Save the Children: Jordyn Linsk, jlinsk@savechildren.org, 475-225-3160(M)
STAMFORD, CONN. Identical twins Angelo and Ettore Rossetti – known as The Rossetti Brothers – are gearing up to set a new Guinness World Records® title for the “Longest pickleball volley rally” — aiming for at least 10,000 consecutive volleys without a bounce. Their record attempt is part of Pickleball Rally for Charity, a special event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for global humanitarian organization Save the Children. Fellow pickleball players, enthusiasts, and supporters can join them on Saturday, August 17 at Pickleball America in Stamford, Conn., or on the livestream to witness this thrilling challenge and support a great cause.
The Rossetti Brothers have a history of attempting Guinness World Records® titles to fundraise for charity, successfully raising over $250,000 for Save the Children and other organizations. This would represent their fourth title within eight attempts. In 2008, they rallied a tennis ball for 14 hours and 31 minutes. In 2015, on Roger Federer’s birthday, they set the Guinness World Records® title for the longest tennis volley rally with 30,576 consecutive volleys in 5 hours and 28 minutes. Most recently, on October 10, 2021—World Mental Health Day—they set the Guinness World Records® title record for the longest pickleball rally, completing 16,046 shots in 6 hours and 11 minutes.
“Being recognized as a humanitarian who makes a positive difference in people’s lives, especially reducing child suffering in the US and around the world, is more important to me than setting world records,” said Ettore Rossetti, Head Advisor for Emerging Technology, Innovation & Partnerships at Save the Children. An industry thought leader and trend spotter, he has innovated ways to raise money by adopting emerging trends and technologies, including livestream peer-to-peer fundraising, crypto philanthropy, and pickleball.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, having increased by51.8% from 2022 to 2023, and a remarkable 223.5% over three years, according to the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report. Although pickleball initially gained popularity among older players, the sport is now enjoyed by people of all ages, including children and youth. The largest age bracket is 18-34 years –old, comprising 28.8% of players.
“Our attempt is about serving others first and helping children around the world to experience a healthy, joyous and purposeful life through pickleball,” stated Angelo A. Rossetti, co-founder of Rossetti Brothers Pickleball with his brother Ettore. In pickleball, success lies not only in mastering skills and tactics, but also in developing a mindset that propels you towards excellence. “I believe in the power of controlling your controllables, encapsulated in the EAGLES methodology —focusing on Effort, Attitude, Gratitude, Learning, Enjoyment, Sportsmanship, and playing Free,” he added.
Guinness World Records™ Ltd. set the bar at 10,000 consecutive volleys without a bounce to earn the title. “This challenge is insane. I love the ambitious goal. If anyone can do it, it’s the Rossetti brothers,” said Thomas Shields, Founder of Dink & Upswing Sports. By definition, a volley is a shot hit out of the air before it touches the court. In pickleball, this difficulty is heightened by a seven feet non-volley zone on either side of the net.
“Pickleball America is fully supportive of the Rossetti Brothers’ attempt for the Guinness World Records® title for the longest pickleball volley rally,” said Bret Herman, COO of Pickleball America, LLC. “Events such as this one are so impactful for the sport of pickleball and represent the positive impact pickleball can have on communities in Connecticut and across the country,” stated co-owner Jay Waldner.
This Pickleball Rally for Charity also includes open play and the Rossetti Brothers popular Dink or Drive™ up and down the ladder challenge, played like a version of pickleball chutes and ladders. The players accumulating the most points will win gold, silver and bronze Guinness World Records® medals.
In addition, participants can purchase custom-manufactured paddles for the event, courtesy of Engage Pickleball. “We are excited to support the Rossetti brothers in their world record for charity,” said Robert and Jodi Elliott, owners of Engage Pickleball. “We’re happy to provide commemorative paddles as our small way to support a big cause.”
The event will start at 12 noon and continues through 4 PM EST. The Rossetti brothers aim to raise at least $10,000 to match their 10,000-volley rally count for Save the Children. Donations can be pledged via the event website www.rallyforcharity.org, which is powered by Pledge, or by text, credit card, crypto, stock, and Venmo. Supporters can join the #PickleballPledge by committing from $0.01 to $1 for each completed volley. The event will be livestreamed, allowing fans to watch and support virtually. To join as a volunteer, participant or to make a donation, email pickleball@rallyforcharity.org.
The pickleball community has been quick to support this challenge and cause. “Meeting Angelo and Ettore was so great. You will love their energy right away. Down to the core, great guys, very real and incredibly sharp. I am so moved by the charity work they do and with that everything they do for pickleball. We need more people like Angelo and Ettore,” commented Salome Devidze, World #1 APP Tour women’s singles player.
“I love Angelo and Ettore’s ambition, creativity and charity which makes rooting for them very easy, and I can’t wait to see them crush another pickleball world record!” added Zane Navratil, world #2 APP men’s singles player and Co-Host of the PicklePod.
About The Rossetti Brothers
The Rossetti Brothers, Angelo and Ettore, are certified USPTA Elite tennis teaching professionals for more than 30 years. The brothers are also USTA members and USA Pickleball members. Angelo is also a USPTA, IPTPA, PPR and DUPR/Tyson McGuffin certified teaching professional who serves as the Founder of Rossetti Brothers Pickleball. Ettore is also a IPTPA certified pickleball pro and serves as Head Advisor of Emerging Technology, Innovation & Partnerships at Save the Children. Follow the Rossetti Brothers on the Web: www.RallyforCharity.org and on social @rallyforcharity, #pickleballpledge, #pickleballrallyforcharity or #twinpossible. On TeamReach code “RossettiBros.” Facebook.com/rossettibrotherspickleball
About Save the Children
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we’ve been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that Save the Children is a charity you can trust. Learn more at our website: www.SavetheChildren.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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Caption: Identical twins Angelo and Ettore Rossetti – known as The Rossetti Brothers – aim for their official attempt to set a new Guinness World Records® title for the “Longest pickleball volley rally” at Pickleball America in Stamford, CT on Aug.17, 2024. Photo by: Joe Fernandez/Pickleball America