North Country Pickleball Club Community Impact: On a sunny day in Potsdam, 60 players from across Northern New York gathered at the Pine Street Arena to take part in the Always Caring pickleball tournament. Hosted by the North Country Pickleball Club, the event aimed to bring people together while supporting United Helpers, a local service organization.
Pickleball Brings People Together
Michael Popovic was one of the day’s standout players. After trailing 0-7, he and his doubles partner made a huge comeback to win 11-7. “It’s pickleball,” said Michael Popovic. “It really goes in runs. You never give up in pickleball. Even if it’s like 11-0 or 10-0, you may still win that.”
The tournament took place at Pine Street Arena and welcomed players from across the region. The North Country Pickleball Club, led by Teresa Fisher, organized the event. “In 2022, when we started, there were probably 30 of us at most that played, and now there are 200 of us,” said Teresa Fisher.
Helping the Community
The event raised money for United Helpers, a group that supports seniors, rehab patients, and mental health services. Raffles, bake sales, and community games added to the fun. “A lot of the gift baskets that you see here were put together by members of the United Helpers family,” said Benny Fairchild. “The bake sale here, all of the cookies and pies and fudge and burritos…we all have a little bit of competitive spirit, too. So, everybody was trying to outdo everybody.”
The courts were soaked from rain the night before, but volunteers arrived at 6:30 a.m. to help dry them so the event could go on.
A Sport for Everyone
Pickleball has grown fast across the country, especially since the pandemic. In the North Country, it’s filled a gap in adult recreation. “There’s not a lot of adult recreation anymore,” said Teresa Fisher. “The bowling alleys have closed, and kids have a lot of recreation, but when you finish high school, it’s like you still want to remain active.”
Referee David Rishe said the sport is easy to learn and great for people of all backgrounds. “It’s great for people [who] have never been athletes to go, ‘Oh, I can do this. I can be athletic.’ And it’s great for people [who] were athletes to remind themselves, ‘Oh, I can do this.’”
Michael Popovic, also a volunteer, said the game offers many benefits. “It keeps people fit, it keeps people engaged, it keeps people moving,” he said. “I am as healthy as I am because I’m playing pickleball.”
Community Impact
In just three years, the club has raised over $50,000 for local causes. With more people joining every year, the North Country Pickleball Club is creating stronger bonds and keeping the community active.
News in Brief: North Country Pickleball Club Community Impact
The North Country Pickleball Club in Potsdam hosted the Always Caring tournament, drawing 60 players and raising funds for United Helpers. Led by Teresa Fisher, the event highlighted how pickleball supports fitness and community spirit. The club has raised over $50,000 for local causes in the past three years.
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