BREAKING NEWS ALERT
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® TITLE OF LONGEST PICKLEBALL RALLY BY THE ROSSETTI BROTHERS BECOMES OFFICIAL, JUST IN TIME FOR GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® DAY
The Identical Twin Rossetti Brothers officially recognized by Guinness World Records™ for 16,046 consecutive shots taking 6 hours and 11 minutes to raise awareness and funds for charity
MEDIA ALERT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2021
Media Contacts:
Angelo A. Rossetti 203-996-4417, pickleball@rallyforcharity.org
Ettore Rossetti 203-919-2215, pickleball@rallyforcharity.org
Available for print and broadcast interviews.
Rocky Hill, CONN. – The Rossetti Brothers, identical twins Angelo and Ettore, are now officially recognized as having set a third Guinness World Records™ title for the longest pickleball rally of 16,046 consecutive shots. The feat took 6 hours and 11 minutes to accomplish at the Tennis & Fitness Center of Rocky Hill as part of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2021. The charity event benefited Save the Children among other worthy causes while raising awareness the charity and the sport of pickleball as a sport of all ages. Pickleball is the world’s fastest growing sport, in addition to being the USA’s (and Connecticut’s) fastest growing sport as well. Although some think it is an “older” players’ sports, the trend now is pickleball is for everyone, including children. The twins are still raising funds toward their symbolic goal of $15,000 via their event website at www.RallyforCharity.org, which accepts online donations and even cryptocurrency donations powered by The Giving Block.
(full release below)
Rocky Hill, CONN. – On October, 10, 2021, World Mental Health Day, Angelo A. Rossetti & Ettore Rossetti (collectively “The Rossetti Brothers”) set a new Guinness World Records® title for the Longest pickleball rally with a tally of more than 16,000 shots lasting 6 hours and 11 minutes (pending official verification). The event took place at the Tennis & Fitness Center of Rocky Hill, CT and was part of “Rally for Charity” to benefit nonprofits including Save the Children. The event raised $3,000 towards their symbolic goal of $15,000. 15,000 is the mark set by Guinness World Records® for this new record attempt and also happens to be the figure for the average daily child mortality rate for children under age five who die of preventable or treatable causes, according to Save the Children.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health whether young or old, professional or amateur athlete. Mental health affects world-class athletes including Naomi Osaka or Simone Biles and also healthcare workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions.
Pickleball is the world’s fastest-growing sport, in addition to being America’s (and Connecticut’s) fastest growing sport as well. Although some think pickleball is an “older” players’ sport, pickleball is a sport for everyone, including children.
“USA Pickleball is fully supportive of the Rossetti brothers’ attempt for the Guinness World Records® title for the longest pickleball rally…Events such as this are great for the sport and demonstrate the positive impact pickleball can have in communities across the country.”
said Stu Upson, USA Pickleball CEO.
“It’s about serving others and helping children around the world to experience pickleball and to be aware of the mental fitness of sport,”
stated Angelo A. Rossetti, who also serves as the Director of Racquet Sports at the Tennis & Fitness Center of Rocky Hill (TFCRH).
Guinness World Records™ Ltd. set the bar at 15,000 consecutive shots in order to earn the title. The Rossetti Brothers, Angelo and Ettore, eclipsed the record by over 1,000 shots and never missed on their only attempt. This figure is symbolic of the daily child mortality figure: Every day, 15,000 children under age 5 die from preventable causes, such as pneumonia, malnutrition, and malaria. The last record set by the Rossetti Brothers was the Longest Tennis Volley Rally, volleying a tennis ball 30,576 times, a record that still stands today. They also rallied a tennis ball for 14 hours and 31 minutes to set the Longest tennis rally in 2008, the time duration which still stands today. They now are three for three in their last three Guinness World Records® attempts and three for five lifetime.
“I admire and support the Rossetti Brothers on their continued efforts to inspire and to serve children. We were honored to host this wonderful event,”
Peter Parrotta, owner of the Tennis & Fitness Center of Rocky Hill and past president of USTA New England & USTA CT.
“Being recognized as a humanitarian who makes a positive difference for people, especially reducing child mortality in the US and around the world, is an accomplishment that is more important to me than setting world records”
stated Ettore Rossetti, who serves as a lead advisor at Save the Children.
The event included a free pickleball social, including lessons, clinics, cardio pickleball called “Pick ‘n move” by Ahmad “the pickleball hulk” Elliot, as well as open round-robin match play, all for fun and to raise money for charity. IPTPA Certified Pickleball Teaching Professional & Coach “Z”orano Tubo, who also serves as Director of Public relations was on hand to run pickleball activities and lessons such as Drill and Play.
The festivities and official rally attempt started at 9 a.m. and continued through 6 p.m. The brothers hope to raise at least $15,000 to match the rally count of 15,000 for Save the Children and the IPTPA to support underprivileged children around the world to be introduced to the wonderful and world’s most popular sport of pickleball. “Tennis improves your pickleball and playing pickleball improves your tennis” stated Angelo. “Tennis starts with love and a first serve, serve first in tennis and in life and the same with pickleball” added Ettore. The event was live-streamed so fans could watch the attempt. A rebroadcast is being planned with live commentary and special guests. To support as a volunteer, participant or to make a donation, visit RallyforCharity.org or email pickleball@rallyforcharity.org.
“Congratulations to Angelo and Ettore on setting the record for the world’s longest pickleball rally! Events like Rally for Charity, are a great representation of what pickleball is all about, bringing people together to support a great cause. We look forward to working with Angelo and Ettore on all of their future events”
stated Aaron Stahl, Specialist Brand Partnerships at Franklin Sports.
Special thanks to the venue host the Tennis and Fitness Center of Rocky Hill for their support of the event. The Pickleball Rally for Charity event was an all-inclusive event so organizations including USA Pickleball, IPTPA, USPTA, USTA, Franklin Sports, and PTR are welcome to promote and support the event.
The brothers had previously held the title of 25,944, recognized as the “longest tennis rally” lasting for five years after setting it on August 9-10, 2008. The feat took 14 hours and 31 minutes with the fuzzless ball still on exhibit at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. In 2015, on Roger Federer’s 34th birthday, the Rossetti Brothers broke their previous 2008 record in less than one-third of the time, rallying more than 30,576 consecutive volleys in 5 hours and 28 minutes, setting the Guinness World Records™ Title of the “Longest tennis volley rally.”
Their purpose, effort, and personal sacrifices inspired many others based on the outpouring of support. The Rossetti Brothers’ achieve their goal to inspire children and adults with their feat. They called it the Four Gs to have balance and success in tennis and in life: Get a Dream, Goals Set, Goals Get, and Give Back. This charity event will raise funds and awareness for Save the Children. Save the Children helps children in 120 countries, including the United States, providing support for health, education, protection, disaster relief and so much more. With nearly 1 in 4 American kids living in poverty, Save the Children invests in education, health, and emergency programs right here in the United States.
About The Rossetti Brothers
The Rossetti Brothers, Angelo and Ettore, are certified USPTA Elite tennis teaching professionals for more than 25 years. The brothers are also USTA members and USA Pickleball members. Angelo is also a PTR and IPTPA certified tennis and pickleball teaching professional who serves as the Director of Racquet Sports at the Tennis & Fitness Center of Rocky Hill. Angelo is a lifelong Hamden resident, where they grew up and played high school tennis before playing at UCONN. Ettore serves as Lead Advisor of Digital, Marketing Partnerships & Innovation at Save the Children. Ettore resides in Shelton, CT where he is volunteer assistant girls tennis coach at Shelton High School. He teaches tennis at Oak Lane Tennis Club in Woodbridge, CT. The brothers received Save the Children’s Stream Team Humanitarian award in 2020 for raising more than $100,000 for the organization through their Rally for Charity events. Follow the Rossetti Brothers on the Web: www.RallyforCharity.org, www.tennacity.org and on social searching for @rallyforcharity, #rallyforcharity or #twinpossible.
About World Mental Health Day
October 10 is World Mental Health Day as recognized by the World Health Organization. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
About Save the Children
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. 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 their lives and the future we share. Follow Save the Children on social media @savethechildren and on the web at www.savethechildren.org.
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High resolution photos (rally, 16K+) for download courtesy of The Rossetti Family, RallyforCharity.org
The livestream broadcast can still be viewed on RallyforCharity.org.
NOTE: The brothers are available for media interviews in broadcast, podcast, social and print.
Media Contacts:
Angelo A. Rossetti, 203-996-4417, pickleball@rallyforcharity.org
Ettore Rossetti, 203-919-2215, pickleball@rallyforcharity.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5:00 a.m. EDT, October 1, 2021
WHO: Angelo A. Rossetti & Ettore Rossetti (collectively, “The Rossetti Brothers”)
WHAT: Guinness World Records® Title attempt for the Longest Pickleball Rally
WHERE: The Tennis & Fitness Center of Rocky Hill, CT
WHEN: Sunday, October 10, 2021
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® TITLE OF LONGEST PICKLEBALL RALLY ATTEMPTED AT THE TENNIS & FITNESS CENTER OF ROCKY HILL, CT ON OCTOBER 10, 2021
The Identical Twin Rossetti Brothers attempt the feat to raise awareness and funds for charity
Media Contacts:
Angelo A. Rossetti 203-996-4417, pickleball@rallyforcharity.org
Ettore Rossetti 203-919-2215, pickleball@rallyforcharity.org
ROCKY HILL, CONN. –
Pickleball is the world’s fastest growing sport, in addition to being the USA’s (and Connecticut’s) fastest growing sport as well. Although some think it is an “older” players’ sports, the trend now is pickleball is for everyone, including children. The Rally for Charity event being held on Sunday, October 10, 2021 will not only raise money and awareness for charity but also awareness that pickleball is a sport of all ages even in underprivileged children in the U.S. and around the world. October 10 is World Mental Health Day, which is so important especially during the global Covid-19 pandemic.
“USA Pickleball is fully supportive of the Rossetti brothers’ attempt for the Guinness World Records® title for the longest pickleball rally,” said Stu Upson, USA Pickleball CEO. “Events such as this are great for the sport and demonstrate the positive impact pickleball can have in communities across the country.”
“It’s about serving others and helping children around the world to experience pickleball and to be aware of the mental fitness of sport,” stated Angelo A. Rossetti, who also serves as the Director of Racquet Sports at the Tennis & Fitness Center of Rocky Hill (TFCRH).
Guinness World Records™ Ltd. has set the bar at 15,000 consecutive shots in order to earn the title. This figure is symbolic of the daily child mortality figure: Every day, 15,000 children under age 5 die from preventable causes, such as pneumonia, malnutrition and malaria. The last record set by the Rossetti Brothers was the Longest Tennis Volley Rally, volleying a tennis ball 30,576 times, a record that still stands today. More importantly, they raised more than $100,000 for Save the Children and received their Humanitarian Stream Team award.
“I admire and support the Rossetti Brothers on their continued efforts to inspire and to serve children. We are honored to host this wonderful event,” Peter Parrotta, owner of the Tennis & Fitness Center of Rocky Hill and past president of USTA New England & USTA CT.
“Being recognized as a humanitarian who makes a positive difference for people, especially reducing child mortality in the US and around the world, is a bucket list item that is more important to me than setting a world record” stated Ettore Rossetti, who serves as senior advisor at Save the Children.
The event will include a free pickleball social, including lessons, clinics, cardio pickleball called “Pick ‘n move” by Ahmad “the pickleball hulk” Elliot, as well as open round robin match play, all for fun and to raise money for charity. All participants are encouraged to make donations of any size at www.rallyforcharity.org. To volunteer for the event, email pickleball@rallyforcharity.org. IPTPA Certified Pickleball Teaching Professional & Coach “Z”orano Tubo, who also serves as Director of Public relations will be on hand to organize the pickleball activities as well as Steve Rogers and Ahmad Elliot, both of whom work at TFCRH.
The festivities and official rally attempt start at 9 a.m. and are planned to continue until 6 p.m. The brothers hope to add to the tally at least $15,000 to match the rally count for Save the Children and the IPTPA to support underprivileged children around the world to be introduced to the wonderful and world’s most popular sport of pickleball. “Tennis improves your pickleball and playing pickleball improves your tennis” stated Angelo. “Tennis starts with love and a first serve, serve first in tennis and in life and the same with pickleball” stated Ettore. The event will be live streamed on www.rallyforcharity.org so fans can watch the attempt. To support as a volunteer, participant or to make a donation, email pickleball@rallyforcharity.org.
Special thanks to the venue host the Tennis and Fitness Center of Rocky Hill for their support of the event. This is an all-inclusive event so organizations including USA Pickleball, IPTPA, USPTA, USTA, and PTR are welcome to promote and support the event.
The brothers had previously held the title of 25,944, recognized as the “longest tennis rally” lasting for five years after setting it on August 9-10, 2008. The feat took 14 hours and 31 minutes with the fuzzless ball still on exhibit at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. In 2015, on Roger Federer’s birthday, the Rossetti Brothers broke their previous 2008 record in less than one third of the time, rallying more than 30,576 consecutive volleys in 5 hours and 28 minutes, setting the Guinness World Records™ Title of the “longest tennis volley rally.”
Their purpose, effort, and personal sacrifices inspired many others based on the outpouring of support. The Rossetti Brothers’ achieve their goal to inspire children and adults with their feat. They called it the Four Gs to have balance and success in tennis and in life: Get a Dream, Goals Set, Goals Get, and Give Back. This charity event will raise funds and awareness for Save the Children. Save the Children helps children in 120 countries, including the United States, providing support for health, education, protection, disaster relief and so much more. With nearly 1 in 4 American kids living in poverty, Save the Children invests in education, health and emergency programs right here in the United States. “We are raising awareness and funds for those children who don’t survive beyond age five around the world and those who don’t have the opportunity to learn here in the U.S.,” said Ettore, who is a certified pickleball teaching professional through IPTPA as is his brother Angelo.
About The Rossetti Brothers
The Rossetti Brothers, Angelo and Ettore, are certified USPTA Elite tennis teaching professionals for more than 25 years. The brothers are also USTA members and USA Pickleball members. Angelo is also a PTR and IPTPA certified tennis and pickleball teaching professional who serves as the Director of Racquet Sports at the Tennis & Fitness Center of Rocky Hill. Ettore serves as Sr. Advisor of Digital, Marketing & Innovation at Save the Children. The brothers received Save the Children’s Stream Team Humanitarian award in for raising more than $100,000 for the organization through its rallies. Follow the Rossetti Brothers on the Web: www.RallyforCharity.org, www.tennacity.org and on social searching for @rallyforcharity, #pickleballrallyforcharity or #twinpossible.
About World Mental Health Day
October 10 is World Mental Health Day as recognized by the World Health Organization. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
About Save the Children
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. 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 their lives and the future we share. Follow Save the Children on social media @savethechildren and on the web at www.savethechildren.org.
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