The Pickle Lodge in West Chester Township, Ohio, is set to host its first-ever wheelchair pickleball tournament, Spooky Spokes, as part of the Monster Smash Weekend from October 25-27. The event marks a significant step for the venue and the city, welcoming athletes from across the country to compete in singles, doubles, and hybrid formats. Co-founders Mitch Dunn and Joe Frank have worked closely with the US Wheelchair Pickleball Association to make the event a reality, aiming to grow the sport and provide an inclusive competition for athletes with disabilities.
“We are having our first-ever wheelchair tournament, and one of, if not the first in Cincinnati. It’s something that I’ve been wanting to do for years, and we finally have the facility to do it.” – (Mitch Dunn)
A New Milestone for Wheelchair Pickleball
The introduction of Spooky Spokes represents a milestone for The Pickle Lodge and Cincinnati, as it brings wheelchair pickleball to the area for the first time. According to Mitch Dunn, this has been a long-term goal.
“It’s something that I’ve been wanting to do for years, and we finally have the facility to do it.” – (Mitch Dunn)
The event will integrate the wheelchair division within the larger Monster Smash Tournament, which is in its fifth year and the second year hosted at The Pickle Lodge. By incorporating wheelchair athletes into the main event, Mitch Dunn hopes to foster a fully integrated atmosphere where all competitors play together.
A Weekend Full of Events and Competition
The Spooky Spokes tournament will kick off with singles matches on October 25 at 1 p.m., followed by doubles on October 26 at 11 a.m., and a hybrid tournament on October 27, also starting at 11 a.m. The hybrid format will pair wheelchair players with able-bodied partners, encouraging a dynamic blend of competition.
More than 400 participants are expected for the Monster Smash Weekend, including 24 wheelchair athletes traveling from states such as Texas, Florida, California, Illinois, and Indiana. The weekend’s atmosphere will be a mix of serious competition and social fun, with participants and spectators embracing the Halloween spirit by dressing in costumes.
Community Support and Accessibility Efforts
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover travel and accommodation expenses for the athletes, raising over $4,000, largely through contributions from members of The Pickle Lodge. Mitch Dunn emphasized the importance of making the event financially accessible.
“We’re partnering with the US Wheelchair Pickleball Association to not only make this happen but to make the costs as manageable as possible for these great athletes.” – (Mitch Dunn)
The Pickle Lodge has also ensured the facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with additions such as an elevator to accommodate all players and spectators.
Future Plans for Growth
Looking ahead, Mitch Dunn envisions expanding the presence of wheelchair pickleball in Cincinnati and establishing The Pickle Lodge as a central hub for the sport. The goal is to grow the Spooky Spokes division in future years while enhancing the overall Monster Smash Tournament experience.
With strong community support and a growing interest in adaptive sports, The Pickle Lodge is well-positioned to continue setting the standard for inclusivity and competitive play in the region.
News in Brief: Wheelchair Pickleball Tournament
The Pickle Lodge in West Chester Township, Ohio, will host its first wheelchair pickleball tournament, Spooky Spokes, from October 25-27 as part of the Monster Smash Weekend. Co-founders Mitch Dunn and Joe Frank collaborated with the US Wheelchair Pickleball Association to create an inclusive event for athletes with disabilities.
The pickleball tournament will feature singles, doubles, and hybrid formats, pairing wheelchair players with able-bodied partners. Over 400 participants are expected, including 24 wheelchair athletes from various states. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $4,000 to help cover athletes’ expenses, emphasizing accessibility and community support for the event’s success.
ALSO READ: Bea Fischer Foundation Achieves Milestone in Pickleball Fundraising
