Pickleball Fundraiser Tournament in Jackson: The inaugural ‘Dinkin’ for Diabetes’ fundraiser tournament made its debut at The Pickle Jar in Jackson on Saturday, drawing in an enthusiastic crowd and raising funds for a crucial cause.
A Community United
Organized by Donna Cromeans, the event saw a diverse range of participants, including kids, men, women, and mixed teams, as well as a media competition featuring members of the WLBT team. Cromeans expressed her excitement about the event, emphasizing the enjoyment and camaraderie it fostered.
“It’s such a fast-growing and fun sport, and everyone loves playing. [My favorite part was] just watching everybody have fun and sharing the love of this game that has taken us all by storm.” – (Cromeans)
The tournament aimed to raise money for the Diabetes Solutions and Wellness Center in Canton. Shelia Spann, who runs the center, highlighted the significance of the funds raised. “The funds that we raise today will go towards helping me educate the people of Mississippi about diabetes,” she noted. Spann’s dedication to diabetes education is vital in a state with the second-highest rate of diabetes in the country.
“In Mississippi, we have the second highest rate of diabetes. Most of the time, people who have diabetes have had it for years, they just don’t understand it. So, this just gives me more opportunity to get out there, I go to different communities, libraries, health fairs, I even have my own clinic in Canton where they can come talk to me about nutrition, taking their medication, even checking their blood sugar, just how important it is. Diabetes does not kill you, you just have to manage it.” – (Shelia Spann)
Raising Awareness and Funds
The event’s format, centered around the accessible sport of pickleball, was an effective way to draw participants and raise awareness. Cromeans, who herself manages type 2 diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication, showed the importance of exercise in diabetes management.
“I’m a type 2 diabetic myself, and I control mine a lot with diet, exercise, and medication. Exercise is one of the most important things to helping to maintain and control your diabetes. So, it’s very important that we get the word out, and people learn how to control their diabetes.” – (Cromeans)
Spann’s commitment to improving health outcomes in Mississippi is evident in her passionate approach.
“I have a passion for diabetes. I want the people of Mississippi to be top-notch in their health because your health is your wealth. If you can get up in the morning and put your own clothes on and drive yourself to work, that’s a blessing, but some people don’t have that opportunity. So, that’s my job, to find those areas of people that can’t get to my place, but I can go to them.” – (Spann)
Looking Ahead
The success of the inaugural ‘Dinkin’ for Diabetes’ tournament has laid a strong foundation for future events. Cromeans and Spann are hopeful that this fundraiser will become an annual event, continuing to unite the community in support of diabetes education and management. With a combination of enthusiasm for pickleball and a dedication to improving health outcomes, this event has the potential to make a lasting impact in Mississippi.
News in Brief: Pickleball Fundraiser Tournament in Jackson
The inaugural ‘Dinkin’ for Diabetes’ fundraiser tournament at The Pickle Jar in Jackson drew a large crowd on Saturday, raising funds for the Diabetes Solutions and Wellness Center in Canton. Organized by Donna Cromeans, the event featured various participants and a media competition.
Shelia Spann, who runs the center, highlighted the importance of the funds for diabetes education in Mississippi. The successful event aims to become an annual tradition, promoting pickleball and diabetes management.
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