Louisville Pickleball Tournament: Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS) held its impactful annual pickleball tournament over the weekend, drawing around 200 enthusiastic players. The event proved critical for VIPS, which supports nearly 800 students across Kentucky. The funds raised will support VIPS’s mission, particularly in supporting teachers who assist parents in preparing visually impaired children for school.
Player Perspectives
“We won; it was a real tight match, 16-14,” shared Arielle Nealy, reflecting on her competitive spirit. Nealy, a former University of Louisville tennis player, embraced pickleball for just the second time this weekend.
“Tennis translates a lot in certain ways; other things hinder a little bit… but the backhand, the drives, volleys, they transfer really well, so I’m grateful for that.” – (Nealy)
Nealy secured the women’s gold medal on August 17 and continued her pursuit of medals in mixed doubles with friend Landon Snyder.
Fundraising Impact
Diane Nelson, executive director of VIPS, emphasized the importance of the tournament.
“We can get people to buy things, but it’s hard to get support for salaries. So what happens with these fundraisers is they’re funding the most important part of our work, and that’s sending the teachers to the home.” – (Nelson)
Looking Ahead
VIPS stands out as one of Kentucky’s few full-time pre-schools for children with blindness or low vision, serving all 120 counties. The tournament will return in 2025 for its fifth annual edition. Donations are still being accepted through VIPS’s website, continuing to support this crucial cause.
“I understand that it’s crucial to have organizations like these nonprofits supporting those who are not only disabled but just impaired in various ways. It was a great cause, and I wanted to come out and represent.” – (Nealy)
News in Brief: Louisville Pickleball Tournament
Louisville’s Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS) hosted a weekend pickleball tournament, raising vital funds for its programs. About 200 players participated, supporting VIPS, which serves nearly 800 students with visual impairments across Kentucky.
The event is essential for funding the organization’s teachers who assist parents in preparing their children for school. Former University of Louisville tennis player Arielle Nealy took home the women’s gold medal and is aiming for more in mixed doubles. The tournament, a key fundraiser for VIPS, will return in 2025.
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