The Pickleball Charity Challenge: Celebrity Edition 2025 is set to take place on Saturday, June 7, at the Richmond Country Club in Richmond, British Columbia. This pickleball event will bring together pro athletes, celebrities, and local stars to raise funds for local charities through a day of pickleball, food, and fun.
The action-packed day starts with registration from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Brunch will be served from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the pickleball tournament from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend, and fans can even bid online to play on the court with their favorite athletes. All money raised will go directly to support charitable causes.
Famous Names Join the Action
The event will feature well-known players from the BC Lions, Vancouver Canucks, and Vancouver Whitecaps, as well as top Canadian pickleball athletes.
BC Lions and Canadian Football League alumni include Geroy Simon, Sean Graham, Sean Millington, Tanya Henderson, and Shea Emry. From the Vancouver Canucks, former players Nathan LaFayette, BJ MacDonald, John Craighead, Dean Moore, and Ed Hatoum will join the tournament.
Representing the Vancouver Whitecaps are Bob Lenarduzzi, Carl Valentine, Paul Dolan, Tosaint Ricketts, and Sinead King. All are well-respected in their sports and excited to help the community.
Top Canadian pickleball players Armaan Jiwa Mawji, Robin D’Abreo, Nathan Choi, Casey Rodgers, and Kelsey German will bring their skills to the court. DJ Crazy P will also make a special guest appearance at the event.
| BC Lions / CFL Alumni | Vancouver Canucks Alumni | Vancouver Whitecaps Alumni |
|---|---|---|
| Geroy Simon | Nathan LaFayette | Bob Lenarduzzi |
| Sean Graham | BJ MacDonald | Carl Valentine |
| Sean Millington | John Craighead | Paul Dolan |
| Tanya Henderson | Dean Moore | Tosaint Ricketts |
| Shea Emry | Ed Hatoum | Sinead King |
Fans Can Join In
A unique part of the event is the chance for fans to bid on a spot to play beside their sports heroes. Whether someone wants to team up with a CFL legend or try their hand with a Vancouver Canucks favorite, this is a rare opportunity to be part of the fun. All bids go to support local charities.
“As a former professional football player and avid pickleball player, I couldn’t be more excited about the 1st Annual Pickleball Charity Challenge – Celebrity Edition. It’s the perfect way to spend a full day of sports, starting with a great brunch, then watching legends from the Lions, Whitecaps, and Canucks—like Geroy Simon, Sean Millington, Bob Lenarduzzi, Carl Valentine, Nathan LaFayette, and BJ MacDonald—compete alongside Canada’s top pickleball pros for a great cause. With the BC Lions game and Snoop Dogg concert to follow, it’s going to be an unforgettable day that brings the community together.” – (Sean Graham, President, BC Lions Alumni Association)
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Community Impact
The event is designed to bring together sports fans, families, and the Richmond community for a fun day that gives back. It supports good causes while celebrating the fast-growing sport of pickleball. With big names, local legends, and talented pickleball pros on the court, the event promises excitement for everyone.
News in Brief: Pickleball Charity Challenge
The Pickleball Charity Challenge: Celebrity Edition 2025 will take place on June 7 at the Richmond Country Club in British Columbia. Sports legends and pro pickleball players will play for charity, with fans bidding online for a chance to join them. The event includes brunch, a tournament, and community fun.
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