The eighth annual Beginnings Care for Life Pickleball Tournament is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Coldwater Township pickleball courts. This event, serving as a key fundraiser for the local pregnancy center, has grown into a community staple, drawing participants from various regions.
Tournament Director Joe Hayes highlighted the event’s growth, noting,
“There were 104 participants last year, with competitors coming from places like Fort Wayne, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids, though most hailed from the Coldwater area.”
Expanding the Competition
To cater to the evolving demographic of players, this year’s tournament will feature separate age brackets—55 and up, and 18-54—for men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles teams.
“With more younger players, we introduced these brackets to enhance competition.” – (Hayes)
The tournament kicks off at 8 a.m. on the eight Sprague St. Township courts, beginning with round-robin pool play. Each team will have the opportunity to compete in four or five games, followed by bracket play to determine the champions in each division.
Registering for the Cause
Entry fees are set at $40 for a player’s first event, with an additional $35 for those entering mixed doubles, bringing the total to $75. Interested participants can register online at Beginnings Care.
Hayes emphasized the tournament’s inclusivity, stating,
“There’s some people playing that are advanced, very competitive. Some people are just starting out in pickleball, kind of novice, beginners. There’s a place for all of them.”
A Facility Worth Watching
The Coldwater Township courts have seen recent improvements, including the addition of bleachers for spectators on the west side. Hayes praised the facilities, saying,
“The township built a great facility here. That’s one of the attractions for this tournament and those who play for fun.”
Passing the torch this year, Hayes will step down as tournament director, with Tiffany Schwemer taking over the role.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
Jane Ford, Executive Director of Beginnings Care for Life, reflected on the event’s origins, stating,
“The tournament started in 2019 as a fundraiser for the pregnancy center. We are offering help, truth, and hope for women, men, and families in our community through pregnancy tests, parenting education, fatherhood support, and healthy relationships education.”
News in Brief: Beginnings Care for Life Pickleball Tournament
The Beginnings Care for Life Pickleball Tournament will be held on Sept. 14 at Coldwater Township pickleball courts. The annual event, now in its eighth year, serves as a fundraiser for the pregnancy center. Last year’s tournament saw 104 participants, with teams competing across newly introduced age brackets.
The event begins at 8 a.m., featuring round-robin pool play followed by bracket play. Registration is available online, with fees set at $40 for the first event and $35 for additional events. Improvements to the facility include new spectator bleachers, enhancing the experience for players.
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