Community Involvement and Prizes
Local businesses have stepped up to support the event, with Paradise Bakery donating baked goods and City Market providing beverages. Prizes for the tournament participants are generously donated by Komodo Paddles, CRBN, French Bistro, Mezzaluna, Campo De Fiori, Angelos, Madame Ushi, Gorsuch, and Anatomie.
Even those not competing in the tournament are encouraged to attend for free, with opportunities to engage in mini paddling on a ping pong table. As of Tuesday, only a few tournament slots remained available. The competition will be divided into four levels, ranging from 3.0 (basic knowledge and competency) to 4.5 (advanced) on the pickleball ratings scale.
Star Ambassadors
Best Buddies is flying in two of its ambassadors for the tournament. Actor Matthew Von Der Ahe, recognized for his role in the 2023 movie “Champions” alongside Woody Harrelson, will be participating. Von Der Ahe, who also appears in TV shows like “Code Black,” “Weeds,” and “Yo Gabba Gabba,” is an active participant in Special Olympics bowling. Joining him is Noah Croy, a member of the dance group Straight Up Abilities, who is set to attend a workshop with the London Ballet this winter. Both ambassadors have Down syndrome.
“I feel pretty good about it. I’m excited to come out, support my team, support Best Buddies and I’m just really happy to be involved,” Von Der Ahe expressed. “If (Best Buddies) want anything from me, I’m happy to do it. No matter what they ask, no matter what they say, I’m always in. I love Best Buddies.”
Registration and Future Plans
Registration for the pickleball tournament is set at $500 per person, with all proceeds benefiting Best Buddies International. The organization, founded in 1989, began its operations in Aspen and Basalt schools last fall. Best Buddies focuses on building “One-To-One Friendships” between individuals with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities, alongside offering leadership development and family support in Colorado.
The organization has already hosted inclusive proms and a “Friendship Walk” in May. Looking ahead, they plan to conduct a bike race in September. Best Buddies has 26 chapters across Colorado and aims to establish programs in each school within the Roaring Fork Valley.
“This is an opportunity that will galvanize our community,” said Rachael Fischer, Best Buddies Colorado director. “It’s the first inclusive opportunity that we’ve hosted in an athletic capacity and it’s bringing different levels of skill together in one place. (Our ambassadors) will be able to talk about what inclusion has done for them, so I think it’ll be a really warm experience for anyone who’s attending.”
The Pickleball Smash, organized by local Best Buddies advocate and pickleball enthusiast Drita Bardha-Rosin, kicks off at 11 a.m. and runs until approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday.
News in Brief: Pickleball Smash At Aspen Meadows Resort
Aspen Meadows Resort hosts the first Inclusive Best Buddies Pickleball Smash this Sunday, benefiting the nonprofit Best Buddies, which promotes inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event includes a 48-person round-robin tournament, yard games, snacks, refreshments, and a live DJ.
Notable attendees are actor Matthew Von Der Ahe and dancer Noah Croy, both Best Buddies ambassadors. Registration costs $500, with proceeds supporting Best Buddies International. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local businesses like Paradise Bakery and City Market are donating goods, and prizes come from Komodo Paddles and other sponsors. Best Buddies aims to expand its inclusive programs across Colorado schools.
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