Pickleball Tournament Breaks Records : The second annual Hearts and Paddles Pickleball Tournament, hosted by Central Michigan University’s Pulse3 Endowment, made a significant impact once again, raising more than $30,000. These funds will be used to enhance cardiovascular wellness programs, support community education, and further research aimed at improving heart health in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region.
Steve Vance, M.D., the executive director of the Pulse3 Endowment, emphasized the importance of the event in addressing pressing health concerns. “We don’t have the health outcomes we want in the region; as a population, we have more chronic illness than other counties in Michigan, and much of that is due to the obesity epidemic.,” Vance explained, noting that the area has higher rates of chronic illness compared to other parts of Michigan, largely due to the obesity epidemic. “Any activity is good activity. If you can do 15-20 minutes a day, that’s a great start in terms of regular exercise,” he added. Vance also highlighted why pickleball was chosen as the centerpiece of the event: “It’s not as hard on your body as other sports, yet it still gets your heart rate up. Plus, there is a social element that is so important.”
Growing Participation Sparks Event Expansion
To accommodate an increase in interest, the 2024 Hearts and Paddles event expanded to a two-day tournament, held on Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 15, at Garber Courts in Saginaw. Participation tripled from the previous year, with over 220 players competing in brackets for Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. The weekend saw an impressive 364 pickleball matches played, showcasing the sport’s growing appeal within the community.
Tournament organizers were thrilled with the increased turnout, noting that the event’s combination of competition and community engagement was a driving factor in its success. “The event is not only about the games; it’s about bringing people together for a cause that impacts us all,” said a representative from the Pulse3 Endowment.
Health Expo Adds a Wellness Dimension
While pickleball was at the heart of the event, the Pulse3 Endowment partnered with the Saginaw County Medical Society to host a Community Health Expo on Saturday morning. The expo offered a range of services, including flu shots, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and information on local wellness resources. The goal was to provide attendees with tools to monitor and improve their heart health while enjoying the tournament atmosphere.
The health-focused side of the event was a hit with participants, further reinforcing the connection between physical activity and overall wellness. “It’s not just about playing pickleball,” Dr. Vance said. “It’s about making a commitment to cardiovascular health and raising awareness in the community.”
Community Play Encourages Pickleball for All
In addition to the competitive play, the Hearts and Paddles event featured an inclusive opportunity for community members to get involved. On Saturday evening, the courts were opened up for free community play, offering lessons and pickup games for people of all skill levels. This initiative allowed anyone interested to experience the benefits of pickleball, whether they were seasoned players or newcomers eager to learn.
The community play session showed the accessibility of pickleball, which continues to gain popularity across different age groups and fitness levels. “Pickleball offers something for everyone,” said a local organizer. “It’s a sport you can pick up quickly and play socially, all while getting great exercise.”
Event Powered by Local and Corporate Support
The 2024 Hearts and Paddles Pickleball Tournament was made possible through the support of a range of sponsors, led by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Additional major sponsors included Advanced Radiology Services, Aventric Technologies, Bierlein Demolition, Covenant HealthCare, Garber Automotive, MyMichigan Health, and the Saginaw Spirit.
The backing from local businesses and healthcare organizations allowed the event to grow and further its mission of promoting cardiovascular health in the region. “We couldn’t do this without our sponsors,” Dr. Vance acknowledged. “Their generosity helps us reach more people and make a bigger impact year after year.”
News in Brief :Pickleball Tournament Breaks Records
The second annual Hearts and Paddles Pickleball Tournament, hosted by the Pulse3 Endowment, raised over $30,000 to promote cardiovascular wellness in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The tournament featured more than 220 players across Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles categories, with 364 games played over two days. A Community Health Expo provided flu shots, blood pressure screenings, and diabetes testing, while Saturday night included free community pickleball lessons. Major sponsors, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Covenant HealthCare, helped make the event a success.
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