The Alzheimer’s Association hosted the Longest Day Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Rocket City Pickleball Club. The event raised money to support Alzheimer’s care, education, and research across Alabama through friendly competition and community involvement.
Tournament Draws All Skill Levels
The tournament welcomed players from skill levels 2.5 to 4.5+. It featured men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles in two age groups: 16-49 and 50 and older. Saturday’s matches were gender doubles, while mixed doubles are scheduled for Sunday, June 22.
The format began with pool play to 15 points, win by 2. Top teams moved on to a medal round, which used a best-of-three format to 11 points, also win by 2.
A Fundraiser With Purpose
The event is part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day campaign. Inspired by the summer solstice, the goal is to “outshine the darkness” of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Players turn their love for pickleball into action by raising money for vital programs.
Sandy Thompson, an employee at Rocket City Pickleball Club, highlighted the importance of local efforts like this one.
“I know Alzheimer’s in general is near and dear to people’s hearts. I know there is some new funding that has brought some new opportunities for better success rates, and it’s from some of these grassroots campaigns that they’ve been doing to help raise funding for that,” (Sandy Thompson).
Helping Alabama’s Families and Researchers
Money from the tournament supports 24/7 helplines, caregiver support groups, and education programs across Alabama. It also funds research at several state locations, including Hudson Alpha, Auburn University, the University of South Alabama, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
With participation growing and the cause resonating with many families, the Longest Day Tournament continues to make a meaningful difference both on and off the court.
News in Brief: Longest Day Pickleball Tournament
The Alzheimer’s Association hosted the Longest Day Pickleball Tournament on June 21, 2025, at Rocket City Pickleball Club. The event raised funds for care, education, and research. Saturday featured gender doubles for all skill levels and ages. Mixed doubles will be played on Sunday, June 22.
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