Over the weekend, dozens of participants gathered at the West Portage YMCA in Manitoba to compete in a charity pickleball tournament. The event, organized by Living Bible Explorers (LBE), aimed to raise awareness and support for the growing ministry through a tournament that combined sport with community engagement.
Living Bible Explorers Hosts Second Annual Pickleball Competition
The second annual Pickleball Charity Tournament saw 38 teams competing across three skill divisions, bringing together many newcomers eager to join the cause. Cher Paulson, Executive Director of LBE, described the event as an overwhelming success made possible by sponsorship from Duncalfe Mechanical.
It was so great and so much fun. I want to thank Duncalfe Mechanical. They sponsored our whole event so that we could raise what we would raise. We are so thankful to them.
Paulson highlighted the influx of fresh participants and the chance to introduce more people to the ministry’s mission.
There were a few repeats, but not as many as I expected. Out of the 38 teams, most of the people were new, and lots of people were hearing about LBE for the first time,
she said.
Media Outreach and Tournament Setup Bolster Attendance
Many players discovered the tournament through CHVN radio, strengthening local media ties. Paulson credits this exposure for the strong turnout.
I asked almost everybody. There were quite a few that said they heard it on CHVN, so we’re so grateful.
Additional improvements from the previous year included relocating all three courts into a single gymnasium, allowing spectators to follow multiple games simultaneously.
We had the three courts together, so everybody could be in the one gym watching all three games happen at once.
Exciting Match Structure Draws Crowds Throughout the Day
The event progressed through sequential rounds, starting with a novice tournament, followed by playoffs, then intermediate rounds and playoffs, finishing with advanced divisions and playoffs. The competitive atmosphere attracted a vibrant crowd, including spectators filling the gym and observing from nearby hallways. Paulson shared her excitement about the energy in the venue.
The teams really brought spectators. There were people sitting all around, people in the hallway watching through the windows, and it was really exciting. Everybody enjoyed it, I sure did.
Sharing the Mission Through Sport and Fellowship
One of the tournament’s key successes was expanding awareness of LBE’s work within the community. Paulson valued the opportunity to engage with attendees unfamiliar with the ministry.
Seeing the community, being able to talk to people who have no idea what Living Bible Explorers is and being able to share what we do.
The event also featured a social area where participants could eat, converse, and build connections. Many attendees expressed eagerness to return.
We had a room where people could purchase food and sit and chat with each other. I know for a fact, people met one another and it was such a fun time of community, and almost everybody I talked to said we’ll be back next year.
Growing Ministry Seeks Continued Support and Volunteers
As LBE’s family ministry expands rapidly, Paulson emphasized the ongoing need for volunteer support and community prayers. The organization recently experienced a surge in participation at their community suppers, tripling attendance since the previous event.
Our family ministry has over doubled since Christmas. We had a community supper and invited the community. That has tripled in numbers since our last one. If listeners could pray for more volunteers, we really need some more help to combat this. It’s amazing [to be in this situation], people are coming through the doors and we are so excited. We know that God has the right people to come and help us and we need people to continue to pray and continue to give and God is doing an amazing work.
