Pickleball Tournament at Bluefield City Park: Bluefield City Park’s newly inaugurated pickleball courts were the setting for a noteworthy inaugural tournament that showed the sport’s growing popularity and served as a crucial fundraiser for two significant local organizations.
The event, held in early fall, was a collaborative effort between the United Way of Southern West Virginia and the Sons of Italy. It aimed to support the United Way’s annual ‘Dancing with the Stars’ competition and the Sons of Italy’s scholarship fund, reflecting a well-organized synergy between community-focused initiatives.
Community Impact
The United Way of Southern West Virginia’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ competition is the organization’s premier annual fundraiser. This year, the event has garnered attention through a local team that includes WVVA’s Martin Staunton and Karen Bowling, President and CEO of WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital.
Staunton’s innovative idea to leverage the new pickleball courts for this cause was met with enthusiasm, with Bowling emphasizing the health benefits of pickleball.
“Pickleball is not that complicated; it’s more accessible than tennis and increasingly popular. It’s a great way to engage the community in activities that promote health and well-being.” – (Bowling)
Scholarship Support
Parallel to the United Way’s efforts, the Sons of Italy used the tournament as a platform to further their mission of supporting local education. Last year alone, the group awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to students in Southern West Virginia. Jeff Disibbio, a member of the Sons of Italy, articulated the importance of investing in the youth as a means to revive the region’s future.
“The advancement of our children and youth is integral to the revitalization of Southern West Virginia. Educating our kids and providing them with opportunities is crucial for the region’s growth.” – (Disibbio)
Partnership and Proceeds
The tournament featured a split of proceeds between the two organizations, including entry fees and food sales. Trena Dacal, Executive Director of the United Way of Southern West Virginia, highlighted the importance of the funds raised.
“These contributions are vital to our community. They support essential programs like supervised child visitation, recovery initiatives, and food pantries. Every dollar reinvested locally has a significant impact.” – (Dacal)
Future Prospects
Feedback from participants and organizers suggests the event was a resounding success. United Way and the Sons of Italy are optimistic about continuing this partnership and making the tournament an annual fixture. The hope is to build on the momentum of this inaugural event and further integrate pickleball into community fundraising efforts.
For those who missed the tournament but wish to support these organizations, contributions are still welcome. The ongoing partnership between these groups promises continued benefits for Bluefield and the broader Southern West Virginia area.
News in Brief: Pickleball Tournament at Bluefield City Park
The inaugural pickleball tournament at Bluefield City Park showed the sport’s growing popularity and its effectiveness as a fundraising tool. The United Way of Southern West Virginia and the Sons of Italy successfully partnered to support critical causes, including scholarships and community programs.
This event highlighted the power of local collaboration and resource utilization in driving positive change. Looking ahead, both organizations are eager to build on this success with future tournaments. The community’s ongoing support remains crucial, ensuring the momentum from this event continues to benefit Bluefield and its surrounding areas.
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