Conway Pickleball Tournament: The Conway Recreation Center and the Samantha and Jake Foundation for Hope are hosting a large pickleball tournament to raise money and awareness for Cockayne Syndrome, a rare disease. The event takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 52 teams competing. All proceeds will benefit SOS Care and Fostering Hope.
Honoring Samantha and Jake
The tournament honors Samantha Pellicane and Jake Pellicane, two children who lived with Cockayne Syndrome. Samantha passed away at 13 in 2015, and Jake died at 15 in 2021. Their parents, Maria Pellicane and Rob Pellicane, moved to South Carolina from New York and created the foundation to keep their children’s memories alive.
“When we moved here, we did not really have family that knew our kids and celebrated with us.” – (Maria Pellicane)
“My husband suggested starting a foundation honoring them, and we could get people to know them more, learn about them, and do things for a good cause.” – (Maria Pellicane)
Growing Through Pickleball
The Pellicanes found support and friendship through pickleball. They started small tournaments before the Conway Recreation Center invited them to organize a larger event.
“Through the friends we have made playing pickleball. We have had so much support and love that I can not express enough how important it is to my wife and myself to keep our children’s memories alive. They have helped us out drastically.” – (Rob Pellicane)
Nick Bucholtz, Director of Pickleball at the Conway Recreation Center, expressed his excitement about the event.
“I am just humbled to be a part of this. I am so excited about the day we are going to have tomorrow.” – (Nick Bucholtz)
Event Details and Activities
The tournament will host 52 teams competing over six hours. Outside the games, attendees can enjoy vendors and activities like line dancing. Mandy Ross, a friend who plays pickleball with the Pellicane family, praised the event.
“I was happy to be a part of it and to be able to contribute and have fun doing it. I went online and read the story and was very moved by it.” – (Mandy Ross)
Supporting Local Non-Profits
All money raised from the tournament will go to two local charities, SOS Care and Fostering Hope. These organizations help families and children in need, making the event a sports competition and a chance to give back. This tournament shows how a sport like pickleball can unite a community to honor loved ones and support important causes.
News in Brief: Conway Pickleball Tournament
The Conway Recreation Center and the Samantha and Jake Foundation for Hope are holding a pickleball tournament Saturday to raise funds for Cockayne Syndrome. The event features 52 teams and offers activities like line dancing. All proceeds benefit SOS Care and Fostering Hope.
ALSO READ: Dam Slam Pickleball Tournament Hits Bentonville: Prizes, Play, and a Weekend of Unmissable Action