ORT Canada’s PearTree Pickleball Tournament: ORT Canada’s first-ever PearTree Pickleball Tournament, held on November 3 at Montreal’s newly opened Club PKL, was a massive success. The event not only raised nearly $70,000 for World ORT’s psychosocial rehabilitation programs at the Kfar Silver Youth Village in Israel but also turned into a lively, family-friendly celebration of community and sport.
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A Tournament with a Purpose
The tournament served as both a fundraiser and a platform to spotlight the pressing need for mental health and rehabilitation services at the Kfar Silver Youth Village, which lies just a few kilometers from the Gaza border. David Smajovits, ORT’s Montreal Director, shared the urgency of the cause, stating, “The Kfar Silver Youth Village is located just a few kilometers away from the Gaza border. The name of the game was having fun, but we’re keeping our eyes on the ball as to why these rehab and PTSD programs are so urgently needed right now.”
While the primary goal was to raise funds, the event was filled with joy, creating lasting memories for all involved. It highlighted the strength of community spirit while drawing attention to the significance of the rehabilitation programs.
Competitive Division Finals Thrill the Crowd
The highlight of the event was the Competitive Division Finals, where young stars Emma Cloutier and Nathan Dobin faced off against the father-son duo of Ilan and Nathaniel Elfassy in a thrilling match. The intensity of the game kept the audience on the edge of their seats. As the young champions took the lead, they emerged victorious, with exclusive prize packages from Xzaktly Pickleball awarded to the winners and runners-up.
STEM Presentation Engages Younger Attendees
In addition to the high-energy pickleball competition, a special STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) presentation by Mad Science captivated the younger attendees. The interactive presentation underscored World ORT’s commitment to education and innovation. It offered a fun and educational experience for children, combining learning with entertainment and tying into the overarching theme of empowerment through knowledge and community.
Gratitude and Community Support
Jacob (Jack) Kincler, ORT Canada’s National President and a member of the World ORT Board of Trustees, shared his appreciation for the event’s success. “The event fostered a spirit of unity and fun among all participants. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all our sponsors and supporters for their enthusiasm and commitment. I’ll always cherish the memories of playing with my grandson.” His words resonated with everyone in attendance, reinforcing the event’s impact and the importance of building community through sport and philanthropy.
News in Brief: ORT Canada’s PearTree Pickleball Tournament
The inaugural PearTree Pickleball Tournament, hosted by ORT Canada at Club PKL in Montreal on November 3, raised nearly $70,000 for psychosocial rehabilitation programs at the Kfar Silver Youth Village in Israel. The event featured competitive matches, including a thrilling final where young players Emma Cloutier and Nathan Dobin triumphed over Ilan and Nathaniel Elfassy. The tournament also offered an engaging STEM presentation for younger attendees, aligning with World ORT’s mission to promote education and community. National President Jacob Kincler expressed his gratitude for the support and camaraderie displayed throughout the event.
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