Pickleball for CASA Tournament Lexington: A special pickleball event is coming to Lexington, Kentucky, to support children in need. The second Pickleball for CASA Tournament will take place on November 8 and 9 at the Bluegrass Racquet Club. The event helps raise money and awareness for CASA of Lexington, an organization that speaks up for abused and neglected children in court.
The tournament was started by Lexington resident Pat Riddell, who first learned about CASA while playing pickleball six years ago. Now, he’s using the same game to give back.
How Pickleball Led to Helping Children
Pat Riddell was introduced to CASA by other pickleball players.
“One day after we finished playing, they approached me and said to me that they were CASA volunteers, and they thought that I might like to get involved in that same work,”(Pat Riddell).
CASA stands for court-appointed special advocate. Volunteers work with children who are going through hard times, especially those facing abuse or neglect.
“Give a voice to those kids who are abused and neglected in our community, and we all know there’s a lot of that going on,”. “So that piqued my interest.”(Pat Riddell)
Making a Real Difference Through CASA
Pat Riddell decided to become a CASA volunteer himself. Since then, he’s helped 12 children in five different cases.
“I’ve been involved with five cases, and it’s all been very rewarding,”. “You see positive outcomes in every case when CASA gets involved and to the endpoint when CASA is no longer involved.”(Pat Riddell)
He’s worked with children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers.
“You see things that you wish and you want to have happen for this child happen, see the direction it should take, and you hope that it takes, and you present the recommendations to the judge,”.
“When those recommendations are listened to and accepted, it’s a great, great feeling.”(Pat Riddell)
A Pickleball Event With Purpose
In 2023, Pat Riddell helped organize the first Pickleball for CASA Tournament. The event was a success, so it’s returning this year.
“It turned out successful, so we’re doing it again this fall,”(Pat Riddell).
Players of all skill levels are welcome to sign up for the 2024 event.
“I would suggest or recommend to any pickleballer, and that number is increasing every day, that they might want to consider participating, because it’s a fun event,” (Pat Riddell).
Registration for the tournament costs $30. A link to register will be shared in the coming weeks.
Why This Tournament Matters
Pat Riddell says the event brings more than just fun. It’s a way to support a serious cause.
“It’s great exercise,”. “It’s a very strong social activity, and you’re supporting a very worthy cause, you know, it’s a win-win situation.”(Pat Riddell)
The tournament shows how sports like pickleball can help bring people together to create positive change for children in need.
News in Brief: Pickleball for CASA Tournament Lexington
The Pickleball for CASA Tournament will return on November 8–9 at the Bluegrass Racquet Club in Lexington, Kentucky. Started by Pat Riddell, the event supports CASA of Lexington, which helps children facing abuse or neglect. Registration is $30 and opens soon. All proceeds support CASA’s mission.