Pickleball players in Bismarck, North Dakota have the opportunity to play for a cause at the first-ever Red Cross Pickleball Tournament on March 8, 2025. The event, hosted at the Capital Racket and Fitness Center, will raise funds for the Western North Dakota chapter of the American Red Cross, supporting disaster response and aid for military families.
A Fun and Competitive Event for All
The tournament is part of Red Cross Month, celebrating the organization’s volunteers and donors. The event is designed to be engaging and community-driven, welcoming players of all skill levels.
“We thought it’d be fun to do something a little more entertaining and fun and upbeat and just have that way to bring in the community. And so that’s what we’re doing,” said Zoe Wergeland Manstrom, Executive Director of the American Red Cross serving Western North Dakota.
Players can sign up with or without a partner, ensuring that everyone interested has a chance to participate.
Tournament Format and Details
The tournament will feature:
- Pool Play – Guaranteed matches for all participants.
- Double Elimination Brackets – Giving players a chance to compete even after an early loss.
- Minimum of Five Matches – Ensuring plenty of playtime for all competitors.
The tournament will run from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Capital Racket and Fitness Center.
Supporting a Meaningful Cause
All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Western North Dakota Red Cross, which provides disaster response assistance for home fires, tornadoes, and other emergencies, along with support for military families.
“Some of the things that we do here are really focused on disaster response and our service to the armed forces. Disaster response — home fires, tornadoes, any type of natural causes that might put somebody in an emergency and need some assistance, we like to be there to help.” – (Manstrom)
Volunteers Are the Heart of the Red Cross
The Red Cross relies heavily on volunteers, who make up over 90% of the organization’s workforce.
“Volunteers make up over 90% of the workforce in the Red Cross, which is really good for us because it means that we are able to be especially diligent with the dollars that we receive from our donors. So, volunteers are absolutely necessary.” – (Manstrom)
Join the Fun—Play or Spectate
The pickleball tournament is open to players and spectators, making it a great event for anyone looking to support the cause.
“As long as you have a basic understanding of how to play and you want to, and you want to have some fun, please sign up.” – (Manstrom)
News in Brief: Red Cross Pickleball Tournament
The first-ever Red Cross Pickleball Tournament will take place on March 8, 2025, from 1 PM to 6 PM at the Capital Racket and Fitness Center in Bismarck, North Dakota. The pickleball event will feature pool play and double elimination brackets, with proceeds benefiting the Western North Dakota Red Cross. Players and spectators are welcome to participate.
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