Orcas Island Tournament Scores Big: In its seventh annual edition, the Orcas Island Rotary Pickleball Tournament at Buck Park proved to be a resounding success. The event not only showcased thrilling matches but also raised an impressive $12,000 for the Orcas community.
Tournament Director Linda Hamilton articulated the event’s core mission: “It’s our mission with this tournament to use our pickleball nets to strengthen the social services safety net in our community.” The funds will support several local organizations including the Orcas Island Community Resource Center, Music Advocacy Group, the Pea Patch Community Campus, and the Orcas Island Pickleball Club.
Tournament Results
The tournament, held over August 10-11, brought together 62 players from Orcas, San Juan, Lopez islands, Oahu, and the mainland. Competitors battled it out in various categories, and the results are as follows:
- Group A Mixed Doubles:
- Jordi Grigsby and Ivan Koveshnikov
- Tammy Pollard and Paul Pollard
- Group B Mixed Doubles:
- Patty Miller and Ron Claus
- Suzanne and John Olson
- Group A Women’s Doubles:
- Jenny Shrum and Carolyn Storey
- Eloisa Borbe and Michelle DiLeonardo
- Group B Women’s Doubles:
- Diana Stepita and Emily Grindeland
- Po Powell and Mary Grove
- Group A Men’s Doubles:
- Michael Harlow and Valerie Alexandrov
- Aaron Rock and Ethan Schmidt
- Group B Men’s Doubles:
- Ethan Brazil and Bob Connell
- Avi Alvaro and Fernando Arevalo
Each winning pair received a pickle jar trophy, with pickles donated by Island Market. The two-day event also featured a BBQ and a prize raffle, further enhancing the community spirit.
Community Support and Tribute
The tournament’s success was strengthened by generous support from local sponsors including Chicory Weath, Island Market, and Island Petroleum, as well as numerous other businesses and individuals. Special appreciation was given to Tom Bridge of Island Water Taxi for providing interisland rides, ensuring participants from San Juan and Lopez islands could attend without concerns over ferry schedules.
In a heartfelt tribute, players wore black armbands to honor John Kelly, a beloved member of the pickleball community who passed away in July. The event concluded with a moment of silence and a touching tribute song performed by Michael Harlow.
Looking Ahead
The Orcas Island Rotary Pickleball Tournament will return next year on August 16-17, 2025. Participants and spectators are encouraged to mark their calendars for another weekend of competitive play and community support.
News in Brief: Orcas Island Tournament Scores Big
The Orcas Island Rotary Pickleball Tournament, held on August 10-11, 2024, raised $12,000 for local causes. The event featured 62 players competing in various doubles categories, with winners receiving pickle jar trophies. Local businesses and individuals contributed to the tournament’s success, and a tribute was paid to John Kelly, a cherished community member who recently passed away. The tournament is set to return on August 16-17, 2025.
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