Pickleball Tournament Transforms Young Lives: In a spirited display of community support and athleticism, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Blue Ridge Foundation recently held its first annual pickleball tournament. This pickleball event aimed to rally support and raise funds for the foundation, which creates one-on-one mentoring relationships that empower young people. As the popularity of pickleball continues to soar, this tournament highlights the intersection of sports and community service, proving that engaging in a fun game can significantly impact the lives of local youth.
The Power of Mentorship in Sports
One standout story from the event is that of Jayson Miranda and his mentor, Marc Paulo Guzman. Their relationship shows the profound impact mentorship can have. “We’re different people, but he helped me grow into the person I am now,” Jayson Miranda said, capturing the essence of their bond.
Marc Paulo Guzman echoed this sentiment, stating,
“As a ‘Big’, I have learned so much from Jayson. We are very different but also have a lot in common. We love the same music and enjoy apple cider donuts at Carter Mountain, even though our personalities differ. It’s really cool to learn from him.” – (Marc Paulo Guzman)
Their connection, rooted in friendship, shows the importance of mentorship—where mentor and mentee benefit from the relationship.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation plays a crucial role in nurturing these impactful connections. According to Sarah Althoff, BBBS Director of Philanthropy, the mentorship provided helps young people self-regulate, find available resources, and enhance their dynamics with family, friends, and school.
“They’re able to self-regulate, know where resources are available, and feel better about the dynamics with their families, friends, and in school.” – (Sarah Althoff)
“They do everything from playing sports to working on homework to participating in community events.” – (Molly Jackson, BBBS Executive Director)
This multifaceted support not only fosters positive relationships but also contributes to improved academic performance and decreased bullying incidents among the youth involved.
“We see improved academic performance for the kids in school, and we see lower interactions in terms of experiences with bullying or with the juvenile law system. Things are much more positive in those regards.” – (Sarah Althoff)
Community Engagement Through Pickleball
The pickleball tournament also highlights how pickleball, a sport that has rapidly gained popularity across all ages, can serve as a platform for community engagement.
“Pickleball is such a popular sport, and it’s really been growing in popularity, so we were excited to tap into that community.” – (Molly Jackson)
By using the sport’s appeal, the foundation aims to bring people together to raise awareness and funds for the 150 children currently waiting for mentors.
As participants took to the court, the tournament transformed into a vibrant celebration of friendship, support, and shared goals. The atmosphere was thrilling, with pickleball players of all skill levels engaging in friendly competition, fostering connections, and enjoying the camaraderie that pickleball promotes.
Events like this remind us that sports are not just about winning or losing; they are about building relationships and creating lasting memories.
News in Brief: Pickleball Tournament Transforms Young Lives
The first annual pickleball tournament hosted by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Blue Ridge Foundation showed the profound impact that mentorship can have on youth. By tapping into the growing popularity of pickleball, the foundation not only raised funds but also rallied community support for its vital programs.
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