Picklebells Tournament at Midland YMCA: The Midland YMCA hosted its first annual Picklebells Tournament on December 14, raising funds for its “annual campaign” to support local families and children in need. The event, coordinated by Active Older Adults Director Renee Page, brought together YMCA members and non-members to compete in a fun and meaningful way.
Tournament for a Cause
The Picklebells Tournament was designed to provide a competitive and enjoyable event while supporting the Midland YMCA’s mission. The YMCA’s annual campaign helps provide sports opportunities, after-school programs, and memberships for families who may not be able to afford them.
“Everything the Y does is for a good cause,”. “They help a lot of people, they support a lot of children, and anything we can do to help that, we’re gonna do it.”(long-time YMCA member John Rich)
Support and Fun for All
The tournament featured a range of skill levels, from seasoned pickleball players to beginners. Renee Page emphasized that the event was about more than just winning—it was about community, fun, and making a difference.
“It’s nice to know that having fun over here is helping someone else,” . “There’s a lot of people in need, so it’s just good to help them.”(participant Jonathan Coronado)
The cost to participate was $50 for YMCA members and $75 for non-members, which helped raise funds for the YMCA’s programs. Despite some feeling the cost was high, many participants, like John and Justin Rich, were happy to support the cause.
Encouraging Future Participation
Page was pleased with the success of the tournament in its first year and encouraged more people to try out pickleball, regardless of their experience level.
“Don’t be afraid to try,”.“We have some really good players in there today, but we have some really novice players too, and everybody is having such a great time. So, don’t be afraid. Give it a try, support the Y, support our families, and the most important thing is to just have fun. We’re all having fun.”(Renee Page)
Looking Ahead
The success of the Picklebells Tournament sets a strong foundation for future events at the Midland YMCA. Page hopes to make the event an annual tradition, continuing to raise funds for important community programs while encouraging fun and healthy competition.
News in Brief: Picklebells Tournament at Midland YMCA
The Midland YMCA hosted its first annual Picklebells Tournament on December 14, raising funds for its annual campaign supporting local families and children. The event offered a fun, competitive experience for all skill levels. Participants enjoyed the event while supporting YMCA programs, with plans to continue the tradition annually.
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