The Rotary Club of Martinsburg is set to host the Pickleball IV Classic on March 8 and 9, drawing enthusiasts from a 200-mile radius. The annual tournament brings together players of all skill levels and aims to raise funds for local community projects. Steve Roach, a local business leader and pickleball enthusiast, shared his excitement for the sport.
“It’s a lot of fun. We have players at all different levels. Everybody gets along really well and you play for fun. Some play to win a little harder than others but we all have a great time out here.” – (Roach)
Rotary Club’s Community Focus
Robert Lowe, II, an active member of the Rotary Club of Martinsburg, explained that the idea for the tournament came from a desire to bring a local event to the area.
“People were traveling out of the [Martinsburg] area to play in tournaments, so we decided to have our own. This will be our fourth year.” – (Lowe)
Corporate support has played a crucial role in the success of the event. Sponsors like DOT Foods, based in nearby Williamsport, Md., have contributed generously to the tournament’s efforts.
Raising Funds for Education
Tracy Regalia, president of the Rotary Club of Martinsburg, emphasized that the proceeds from the tournament go toward supporting local educational programs.
“A lot of our emphasis is on education and students in our community. Every third-grader in Berkeley County gets a dictionary from us, so the funds we raise go to great causes.” – (Regalia)
Impact on the Local Community
Master Sergeant Daniel Wean of the Air National Guard, a participant in the tournament, expressed his enthusiasm for the sport and the cause.
“It’s a blast. People from outside the state come play with us. It’s a lot of fun. You raise the money for the community. And as we grow in this area, the money that Rotary is bringing in is helping the people that might be struggling.” – (Wean)
As the tournament continues to grow, it remains an important fundraiser for the Rotary Club, helping to strengthen the community and support educational initiatives.
News in Brief: The Pickleball IV Classic
The Rotary Club of Martinsburg will host the Pickleball IV Classic on March 8 and 9. The pickleball tournament aims to raise funds for local educational programs, with proceeds benefiting schools and students in the area. The event has drawn players from across a 200-mile radius and enjoys strong corporate support.
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