The Douglas Park Pickleball club is getting ready to host its fifth charity tournament just after Canada Day.
The club is making a difference for local students. Last year, the tournament donation was $25,205.97.
鈥淒ouglas Park Pickleball鈥檚 annual charity tournament raises money to support the Douglas Park Community School, providing autism assessments for kids whose families couldn鈥檛 otherwise afford them, and wouldn鈥檛 otherwise get the timely help they need,鈥� explained Kristina Crosgrey, an organizer. 鈥淥nce assessed, these families then have access to many supports which are life changing.鈥�
The tournament runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July 3 to 5 at 20550 Douglas Cres. There are 254 registered players taking part in 330 events, with some playing in two or three categories.
鈥淥ur youngest player will be 14 years old, all the way up to 79 as the oldest,鈥� she noted.
The tournament is open to anyone who meets the Pickleball Canada criteria. The vast majority of entrants are from B.C.
鈥淲e鈥檝e got players coming from the Island, the Okanagan area and all over the Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley. We do have a few players coming from Ontario as well as California,鈥� she noted.
The tournament is the perfect place to either enjoy the action or learn about the sport.
鈥淚t鈥檚 free to the public to drop by and watch the action,鈥� Crosgrey said.
Thursday, July 3 is Senior鈥檚 Day for 60 and older age group. There will also be some men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 doubles.
The schedule for Friday is mixed doubles (age 60-plus) and singles.
Saturday has men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 doubles while Sunday is mixed doubles.
鈥淭his action-packed, four-day event features great athletes (young and old), onsite barbecue, vendors, raffles and fun,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e invited to bring the family, cheer on our players and take part in our fundraising activities.鈥�
