Founders Pickleball Tournament in Bainbridge: The fifth annual Founders Tournament at Battle Point Park showcased the unifying power of pickleball, drawing participants from around the world. Hosted by the Bainbridge History Museum from August 7, will be going till Aug 11, the event not only serves as a fundraiser but also honors the birthplace of the fastest-growing sport in the nation. The tournament showed pickleball’s role as more than just a sport—it’s a lifestyle that fosters friendships and hope.
Personal Stories and Community Impact
Bill Knopp, a retired physical therapist from Surprise, AZ, shared his transformative journey with pickleball. Since discovering the sport in 2014, Knopp and his wife have traveled to all 50 states, spreading the pickleball message. “It gets people active, you can lose weight, it can cure depression, [and] the sociality of it is really good,” Knopp said. His first Founder’s tourney experience was “wonderful,” and he emphasized the sport’s positive impact on mental health and community.
“So many sports have more of an aggressive competition aspect, but there’s not this kind of animosity in pickleball.” – (Knopp)
The tournament introduced the “Keeping the Spirit” award to honor players who embody the sport’s inclusive and supportive nature. “We’ve handed out a couple each day,” said tournament organizer Bill Covert. This accolade recognizes participants who enhance the experience for others and foster community spirit.
“It’s for players who are having fun, sharing their enthusiasm, making sure their competition is having fun, and building up the community.” – (Bill Covert)
Historical and Cultural Significance
Pickleball’s ethos of community and kindness, deeply rooted in its history, was highlighted by Lindsay Ogle of the Bainbridge Museum. This inclusive nature has touched countless lives.
“Founder Joel Pritchard used to make politicians who didn’t like each other play pickleball ‘like it’s 1965.’ The sport bridges gaps because it’s approachable, it creates a sense of community, and it’s accessible — there’s not many sports you can play into your 80s and 90s.” – (Lindsay Ogle)
Pickleball’s Lifesaving Potential
For Maui-based contestants like Carol Wallack, Lou Hassan, and Nancy Beach, pickleball offers a path to community recovery post-Lahaina fires. Wallack noted how the sport brought diverse groups together, and Beach is inspired to build a facility in Lahaina to revive the island community. “It’s about providing a quality thing for locals,” Beach said. Her facility, Aloha Pickleball, aims to create a wholesome recreational option for families.
Mike Hoxie, of Pickleball Is Great, praised the special nature of the Bainbridge pickleball community. “It’s alive everywhere, but it’s a focus here,” he said, reflecting on the tournament’s lasting influence.
News in Brief: Founders Pickleball Tournament in Bainbridge
The fifth annual Founders Tournament, hosted by the Bainbridge History Museum, celebrated pickleball’s community spirit, drawing participants from around the globe. The event started on August 7 and will wrap up on Aug 11, this tournament showcased the sport’s power to foster friendships and hope. Retired physical therapist Bill Knopp highlighted pickleball’s positive impact on mental health, while new accolades like the “Keeping the Spirit” award recognized players who enhance community spirit.
Maui contestants are inspired to build a new facility to support community recovery post-Lahaina fires. Pickleball’s ethos of inclusivity and connection was evident throughout the tournament, reflecting its significant cultural impact.
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