Pickleball Tournament in Bethlehem: The town of Bethlehem is gearing up for its inaugural pickleball tournament on October 5, set against the backdrop of its newly constructed pickleball courts. This exciting event is not just a show of athleticism; it aims to raise crucial funds for services and transportation dedicated to the town’s elderly residents. With more than 150 players expected to compete at the Elm Avenue Park courts, the tournament promises to be a spirited day of competition and community engagement.
A Brief History of Pickleball
The roots of pickleball trace back to 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, where Joel Pritchard and his children were inspired to create a new game. “The name of the game became Pickle Ball after I said it reminded me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats,” Pritchard’s wife, Joan, recounted to The Parkersburg News and Sentinel.
This innovative pickleball sport was born from a combination of leftover equipment from various games, utilizing a wiffle ball, table-tennis paddles, and a badminton court equipped with a net at tennis height.
Fast forward to today, and pickleball has exploded in popularity. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association has repeatedly named it the fastest-growing sport in the country, with around 9 million players actively participating in the U.S. alone.
Supporting the Community through Sports
All proceeds from the Bethlehem tournament will directly benefit the Bethlehem Senior Services Department, funding essential programs such as:
- Aging in Place: The initiative aims to promote aging in place by purchasing a new handicap-accessible van to expand the fleet of vehicles used by volunteers. This service is vital for transporting seniors to chemotherapy, medical appointments, grocery stores, hair appointments, and social events.
- Reducing Social Isolation: The tournament will also fund social and educational programs designed to engage older adults and combat feelings of loneliness.
- Food Insecurity Initiatives: Financial support for the Bethlehem Food Pantry will help ensure that all residents, particularly seniors, have access to necessary food resources.
Tournament Details and Community Involvement
The pickleball tournament caters to a range of skill levels, from novice to advanced, with matches scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 5. For those interested in honing their skills, pickleball lessons will be available from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. for just $5 per person on a first-come, first-served basis, with paddles and balls provided.
Cathleen Crowley Denbeaux, the tournament director from Pickleball518, will oversee the event, ensuring a well-organized and enjoyable experience for all participants. Should the weather not cooperate, a rain date has been set for Sunday, October 6.
Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to lend their support through sponsorships and donations, contributing to a worthy cause that brings the pickleball community together through the love of pickleball.
News in Brief: Pickleball Tournament in Bethlehem
The first pickleball tournament in Bethlehem will take place on October 5, aimed at raising funds for elderly services. With over 150 pickleball players expected at the Elm Avenue Park pickleball courts, the tournament will support initiatives like purchasing a handicap-accessible van and funding programs to reduce social isolation among people.
Pickleball lessons will be offered for $5, with all proceeds benefiting the Bethlehem Senior Services Department. The event, overseen by tournament director Cathleen Crowley Denbeaux, has a rain date of October 6. Local businesses and individuals are invited to participate through sponsorships and donations.
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