On Monday, the Virginian Golf and Country Club became a center of community-driven generosity, hosting the Rally for Relief pickleball tournament to support flood recovery efforts in the Town of Damascus. The event brought together participants from across the region, all united by a cause far beyond the sport.
Damascus, a small town in Southwest Virginia, was left reeling after Hurricane Helene unleashed unprecedented rainfall and devastating floods. The storm’s impact on the area prompted swift action, with local figures stepping up to provide relief in whatever way they could. One of those figures was Kim Nicewonder, who approached David Poole, the Director of Tennis and Pickleball at The Virginian, with a simple yet powerful idea: host a charity pickleball event to raise funds for the town’s recovery.
A Community Effort at The Virginian
David Poole, reflecting on the turnout and the purpose of the event, emphasized how grateful the club was to contribute to the cause.
“I know here at The Virginian, we’re thankful to able to offer this to to the community. We’ve had 83 participants today helping raise money, like I said, for Damascus relief. So it’s really good.” – (David Poole)
The pickleball event was a true reflection of community spirit, with pickleball players coming from across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. From beginners to seasoned competitors, every level of player took to the courts for a day of camaraderie, competition, and compassion.
Pickleball for a Purpose
What made the event even more special was the role of pickleball in bridging gaps between communities and skill levels.
“We’ve had all levels take part–players from all over Southwest Virginia, Northeast Tennessee. And so it’s been a lot of fun just to see, again, see the community come together, you know, see the friendships. I think pickleball is the perfect vehicle to help bring the community together and raise money for things like this.” – (David Poole)
The sport, often touted for its accessibility and inclusive nature, provided the perfect platform for people to connect, bond, and support a cause larger than themselves. For a town like Damascus, still grappling with the aftermath of the floods, the funds raised during this tournament could make a tangible difference in its recovery efforts.
Moving Forward Together
As the event wrapped up, it became clear that “Rally for Relief” wasn’t just about pickleball; it was about showing up for neighbors in need. Through this event, The Virginian Golf and Country Club showed that sports can indeed play a crucial role in community-building and recovery efforts. While pickleball might have been the focal point on Monday, it was the collective spirit of compassion and solidarity that truly stole the show.
News in Brief: Rally for Relief Pickleball Tournament
The Rally for Relief pickleball tournament, hosted by The Virginian Golf and Country Club, raised crucial funds for the flood recovery efforts in Damascus, Virginia. After Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding in the town, the pickleball community came together to support those affected.
Organized by David Poole and Kim Nicewonder, the event saw 83 participants from Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. With players from various skill levels, the pickleball tournament highlighted the power of sports in uniting communities and offering relief in challenging times. Proceeds from the event will go towards aiding Damascus in its recovery process.
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