DCAN’s Pickleball Fundraiser: The Dementia Community Action Network (DCAN) hosted its first annual Dinking for DCAN pickleball tournament on Saturday at the Whitney Recreation Center. This pickleball event aimed to raise awareness about dementia while promoting physical and cognitive activity. DCAN raised approximately $10,000 to support its cause.
Pickleball as a Tool for Brain Health
DCAN Care Navigator Tami Kolbinger explained why pickleball was chosen for the event, highlighting its benefits for both physical and cognitive health.
“So we wanted to do a pickleball tournament because it is physical activity, there is also counting and keeping track which is cognitive activity so it’s a good fit for our clinic because you’re using your physical body, you’re using your brain and you need both of those things to try to outrun dementia,” (Tami Kolbinger).
Along with the tournament, attendees could visit informational booths and participate in raffles with prizes. The event provided resources for those affected by dementia and their families.
Breaking the Stigma Around Dementia
Kolbinger emphasized the importance of events like this in spreading awareness and fighting misconceptions about dementia.
“It helps to fight that stigma, there’s still so much stigma around dementia as well as mental health so when we talk about awareness it is getting people to talk about it and normalize it so nobody has to be afraid of dementia moving forward,” (Tami Kolbinger).
She also pointed out that dementia affects each person differently.
“Dementia is a unique disease and that if you know one person with any more of dementia they are the only person with that type,”. “It all depends on what the person has going on cognitively or what they had going on in their past.”(Tami Kolbinger)
A Successful First-Year Event
The tournament brought together players and community members eager to support the cause. With the funds raised, DCAN hopes to continue its mission of providing education and resources to those affected by dementia.
The success of the event may pave the way for future tournaments, further strengthening community support and awareness efforts.
News in Brief: DCAN’s Pickleball Fundraiser
The Dementia Community Action Network (DCAN) raised $10,000 at its first annual Dinking for DCAN pickleball tournament at Whitney Recreation Center. The event promoted dementia awareness and encouraged physical and cognitive activity. DCAN Care Navigator Tami Kolbinger emphasized the importance of breaking stigma and providing resources for those affected.
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