Pickleball Classic Kentucky Charity Tournament: Pickleball players from Kentucky and Indiana gathered this weekend for the fifth annual Pickleball Classic, hosted by Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS). The event raised money to support children five years old and younger who are blind or have limited vision.
Playing for a Cause
The tournament brought athletes together to compete while helping children in need. Kelly Easton, VIPS director of community outreach and intake, said the competition had a special atmosphere.
“They’re all very competitive. But ultimately, a little less competitive because they know they are here to do great things for the kids.”(Kelly Easton)
Memorable Moments on the Court
Allen Haywood, who has been involved since the first year of the tournament, explained how the event connects directly to the children supported by VIPS.
“We had a kid last year, she came in and she did some dinking rallies with her instructor, and it was just the coolest thing. Everybody involved in the tournament was gathered around this first court,
and you could hear a pin drop. Our attention was solely focused on her, and when it gets down to it, that’s what it’s all about.”(Allen Haywood)
How VIPS Supports Families
VIPS works directly with families to prepare them to guide their children. The group believes parents are a child’s first and best teachers.
“We’re there to hold their hand. To give them the tools they need to let them know that everything is going to be okay. To know that their children are going to reach their greatest potential, just maybe in a way that’s different than what they thought.”(Kelly Easton)
Growth of the Event
This year, 185 players registered for the Pickleball Classic, the largest turnout since it began. Support for the tournament continues to grow, and organizers say it is much more than just a game.
“Pickleball is just a secondary thing. It’s a way for people to come out and support the cause and have some fun doing it.”(Allen Haywood)
Looking Ahead
The rising popularity of pickleball and the community’s dedication to helping children suggest that the Pickleball Classic will continue to expand. VIPS plans to keep using the event to raise awareness and resources for young children with vision loss.
News in Brief: Pickleball Classic Kentucky Charity Tournament
The fifth annual Pickleball Classic, hosted by Visually Impaired Preschool Services, brought 185 players to Kentucky and Indiana. The event raised funds to support children five years old and younger with vision loss. Organizers, including Kelly Easton and Allen Haywood, say the tournament is about more than competition—it’s about supporting kids.