Orcas Island Rotary Pickleball Tournament : In its seventh year, the Orcas Island Rotary Pickleball Tournament at Buck Park raised an impressive $12,000 for local causes. Tournament Director Linda Hamilton emphasized the event’s mission: “It’s our mission with this tournament to use our pickleball nets to strengthen the social services safety net in our community.”
Funds and Beneficiaries
The funds will benefit several local organizations, including the Orcas Island Community Resource Center, Music Advocacy Group, Pea Patch Community Campus, and the Orcas Island Pickleball Club. The tournament’s success is a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting these vital services.
Tournament Results
The two-day event, held from August 10-11, attracted 62 players from Orcas, San Juan, Lopez islands, Oahu, and the mainland. The competition featured a range of categories:
- 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
Participants enjoyed mixed doubles, women’s and men’s doubles, a Saturday BBQ, and a prize raffle supporting the Orcas Island Pickleball Club. The next tournament is slated for August 16-17, 2025—mark your calendars!
Community Support and Tributes
The tournament’s success was bolstered by generous community sponsors, including Chicory Weath, Island Market, and many others. Special thanks were given to Tom Bridge of Island Water Taxi for facilitating interisland travel, ensuring participation from players on San Juan and Lopez islands.
A poignant moment was observed as players wore black armbands to honor John Kelly, who passed away in July. A moment of silence was observed, with a tribute song performed by Michael Harlow.
Looking Forward
Orcas Island Rotary, a satellite of the Rotary Club of the San Juan Islands, continues to champion the values of Rotary International, focusing on community and global service.
News in Brief: Orcas Island Rotary Pickleball Tournament
The Orcas Island Rotary Pickleball Tournament raised $12,000 for local organizations, including the Orcas Island Community Resource Center and the Pea Patch Community Campus. Held on August 10-11, the event featured 62 players and multiple categories. Sponsors and community support were pivotal, with a special tribute to John Kelly, who recently passed away. Next year’s tournament is scheduled for August 16-17, 2025.
ALSO READ: Orcas Island Tournament Scores Big with $12K Raised for Local Charities
