Wake County Sheriff Pickleball Fundraiser: The Wake County Sheriff’s Office held a pickleball tournament on Saturday at the Method Road Community Center in Raleigh to raise money for Special Olympics North Carolina. Sheriff Willie Rowe led the event, which brought together deputies, community members, and Special Olympians.
Fourth Tournament Growing in Popularity
Sheriff Willie Rowe said the effort has become a tradition.
“This is our fourth pickleball tournament. We’re planning to make it an annual thing and it can only grow and get better.”
Gary Stewart of Main Street Pickleball added that the game’s appeal helps bring people together.
“It’s a very sociable sport and people of all ages can play. And it’s fun!”
About 50 players joined the fundraiser, including Special Olympian Bryan Henry, who proudly shared,
“Yeah, this is my gold medal from the World Games in Abu Dhabi.”
Part of the Torch Run Initiative
The tournament was part of the North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run, a fundraising campaign that features unique events such as polar plunges, plane pulls, and tip-a-cop programs. Sheriff Rowe emphasized the creative approach.
“We’re trying to be innovative. We’ve done the polar plunge. So, we’re trying to be innovative and we’re open to ideas that the public will like so that we can raise this money, help our Olympians, and just show the community that we are one.”
When asked if he would join a dunking booth, Sheriff Rowe replied,
“Oh, yeah. Definitely. I’m sure a lot of people would like to dunk me.”
Longstanding Commitment
Nearly 2,000 law enforcement officers in the state take part in the Torch Run every year. Since 1987, the campaign has raised nearly $40 million in North Carolina. Organizers note that all proceeds support more than 40,000 Special Olympics athletes across the state.
Athlete Bryan Henry expressed the spirit of the cause by reciting the Special Olympics ode.
“The athlete ode is? Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Because no matter what we do in this world or nation, as long as we represent our great state of North Carolina and the United States. Let’s go pickleball!”
Community Support
The Sheriff’s Office also works with local businesses to raise money by selling Torch Run merchandise and collecting donations. These efforts show the department’s commitment to helping athletes thrive both on and off the court.
News in Brief: Wake County Sheriff Pickleball Fundraiser
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office hosted a pickleball fundraiser in Raleigh for Special Olympics North Carolina. The event drew about 50 players, including deputies and athletes. Sheriff Willie Rowe called it the fourth annual tournament. The fundraiser is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which has raised $40 million since 1987.
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