Smash the Stigma Pickleball Tournament Impact: The first Smash the Stigma Pickleball Tournament, hosted by the Aberdeen chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, was held on Saturday, August 2, 2025. The event took place at the Strode Center in Aberdeen and raised $5,000 for suicide prevention efforts.
Tournament Highlights and Winners
The tournament ended with two exciting championship matches. In the Chill Division, Chase Sievers and Michael Guzman of Aberdeen defeated Twila Rausch and Vickie Sieben, also from Aberdeen.
In the Competitive Division, Patrick Duffy and Chris Wong from Sioux Falls took the top prize by beating Aberdeen’s Dan Bettmann and Kwae Htoo. Duffy and Wong earned a $1,000 first-place prize for their win.
Purpose and Community Support
The event was organized to raise awareness and support for mental health and suicide prevention. The local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention brought together players and spectators to promote a cause that affects many families and communities.
The $5,000 raised will go toward programs and outreach designed to reduce suicide and support those who have been impacted by it.
Community Impact and Future Goals
The tournament combined fun and competition with a powerful message. By bringing people together, the event helped break the silence surrounding mental health.
Organizers and participants hope the tournament will return next year, attract more teams, and raise even more support for suicide prevention.
News in Brief: Smash the Stigma Pickleball Tournament Impact
The first Smash the Stigma Pickleball Tournament in Aberdeen raised $5,000 for suicide prevention. Held August 2 at the Strode Center, it featured two final matches. Patrick Duffy and Chris Wong won the Competitive Division and $1,000. The event promoted awareness and support for mental health in the community.