The picturesque Greasel Park in Canfield is set to turn pink this Saturday, hosting the inaugural Pink Out Pickleball Tournament. This event is not just about sport; it aims to benefit breast cancer patients at Salem Regional Medical Center. The initiative springs from the ambitious vision of two Canfield High School students, Nick Folsom and Hadley Moser, who are eager to make a difference in their community.
Inspiration Behind the Tournament
Eighteen-year-old Nick Folsom, a senior at Canfield High School, conceptualized the pickleball tournament after attending classes at Johns Hopkins University two summers ago. “I learned about this organization there,” Folsom stated, expressing his desire to launch a chapter of the Teen Health and Medical Society Club at his school. This organization, with 42 chapters across the United States, aims to promote health awareness among teens and women in need.
Joining forces with Folsom, sixteen-year-old Hadley Moser quickly rose to the position of vice president within the club. Under her leadership, the club flourished, attracting 40 members eager to contribute ideas. Moser’s father, who works at Salem Regional Medical Center and interacts regularly with cancer patients, provided valuable insights that spurred the decision to organize a fundraiser.
Partnership with Local Experts
The collaboration with Salem Regional Medical Center became integral to the event’s success. Amy Reed, the center’s Director of Development, highlighted the significance of local resources.
“We have world class cancer care locally. We are a nationally accredited breast cancer center and have been nationally recognized for our imaging services for early diagnosis.” – (Amy Reed)
The center offers essential services for early diagnosis, all available within Canfield. With Moser’s proposal to host a pink out pickleball tournament, the duo enlisted the help of Fletcher Christie, owner of ASE Sports and the contractor behind resurfacing the Canfield High School tennis courts. “It’s a great cause,” Christie shared, noting his personal connection through family members who have battled breast cancer.
“My oldest sister Allison Rollinson was a 13-year breast cancer survivor and my office manager Gabrielle Dohar is a breast cancer survivor as well.” – (Christie)
Transforming the Courts for a Cause
In preparation for the tournament, Christie collaborated with City Manager Dave D’Apolito to temporarily shut down the pickleball courts last week. His team painted two courts pink and adorned the “kitchen” area with the iconic breast cancer ribbon.
“All the materials we needed were provided by Sealmaster through L.J. Rich,” Christie added, ensuring that every detail was covered for the event. Community support for the tournament has been overwhelming.
Heather Moser remarked,
“From this point on, it just seemed like the word spread. Everyone in the community has done nothing but support this event. From our principals, our new athletic directors, the students, their parents….so many people have come together to make this happen.”
The excitement is noticeable as the date approaches.
Looking Ahead
With an eye on the future, Reed has announced plans to make this an annual event, further solidifying the commitment to supporting breast cancer patients. Additionally, the Teen Health and Medical Society Club will receive a tour of the hospital to better understand where their funds will make the most impact. A ceremonial check presentation is scheduled for the Canfield football game on October 18, with participants wearing pink shirts and waving pink glow sticks to show their support.
The Pink Out Pickleball Tournament will kick off at Greasel Park this Saturday at 9 a.m. Registration fees are set at $50 per player and $25 for students. Interested participants can sign up via email at teenhealthandmedicine@gmail.com, online at SurveyMonkey, or by calling 330-507-7779.
News in Brief: Pink Out Pickleball Tournament
The Pink Out Pickleball Tournament at Greasel Park in Canfield is scheduled for Saturday, aiming to raise funds for breast cancer patients at Salem Regional Medical Center. Initiated by Canfield High School students Nick Folsom and Hadley Moser, the event has garnered strong community support.
The pickleball courts have been painted pink in preparation, symbolizing the fight against breast cancer. Registration costs $50 for players and $25 for students. A ceremonial check presentation will occur at the Canfield football game on October 18. Participants can sign up via email or online.
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