Whitefish Pickleball Tournament: A pickleball tournament organized by Whitefish High School students will take place on Saturday, June 21 at Smith Fields in Whitefish. The event will raise money for WINGS Regional Cancer Support and is open to players and spectators from the community. Play starts at 10 a.m. and ends at sunset.
A Student-Led Mission to Give Back
The Cancer Support Association, started by Whitefish High School students last fall, is leading the event. Cole Moses, a rising senior and co-president of the club, took charge of the planning. He wanted the tournament to be inclusive and helpful to those battling cancer.
“The great thing about pickleball is it brings in such a wide variety of people, from the youngins to the older,” said Cole Moses. “It’s inclusive, all demographics, any gender – you can go out on the court and have a good time.”
From Internship to Initiative
Cole Moses used the marketing skills he learned during an internship at National Parks Realty to boost the event’s reach. He recalled speaking honestly with the agents about how little the younger generation knew about the firm.
“I was blunt,” he said. “I told them the younger generations are not involved and do not know of them.”
He said he was reading books by self-help author Napoleon Hill when the idea came to him. Hill’s advice on seizing opportunity inspired him to act.
“And then I was playing pickleball with my buddies, just talking about how Whitefish needs a pickleball event … I took the opportunity,” said Cole Moses.
He approached National Parks Realty with a sponsorship idea that would promote both the event and the company’s community support.
Playing for a Cause
The students chose WINGS Regional Cancer Support as the donation recipient, hoping the funds would be matched during the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser. This strategic choice could double the money raised by the tournament.
So far, about half of the 32 team spots are filled. Teams of two can register for $40 total. The prize money is set at $500 for first place, $250 for second, and $100 for third.
An Open Invite to the Community
Spectators are welcome to attend and enjoy the matches, connect with students from the Cancer Support Association, and visit vendor booths. The final match, called the sunset championship, is set to begin around 7:30 p.m.
The students are still looking for a few more food vendors to join the event and help serve the crowd.
A Chance to Rally for a Bigger Cause
This tournament is more than just a day of fun. It gives students the chance to support people with cancer and bring the Whitefish community together. If the team slots fill up and donations grow, the impact on WINGS Regional Cancer Support could be big.
News in Brief: Whitefish Pickleball Tournament
Whitefish High School’s Cancer Support Association will host a pickleball tournament on June 21 at Smith Fields to raise funds for WINGS Regional Cancer Support. Led by student Cole Moses, the event invites teams and spectators. Play begins at 10 a.m. and ends with a championship at sunset.
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