A grassroots pickleball tournament in Agassiz has raised $2,150 towards the Lets'emot Regional Recreation & Aquatic Centre project.
Thirty-two players from Harrison, Agassiz, Hope, and Chilliwack took part in the competition at the Kent Community Recreation and Cultural Centre (CRCC) on Saturday, Jan. 25.
The tournament was played on courts in the CRCC gym – next door to the construction site that will eventually house the pool.
Volunteers ran the tournament, donated prizes, and baked snacks to raise funds for the new regional facility.
“The pickleball community here is a kind and generous group and they wanted to raise money for the pool,” said tournament organizer, Suzi Inkman.
“100% of the entry fees were donated, and on top of that, players pitched in just over $500 in small donations for muffins, coffee, and draw prizes. We actually had a jar full of cash for the pool at the end of the day,” she said.
The scramble-style event saw young players and more “experienced” athletes compete in mixed doubles in a round-robin format where players change teams every match.
“Thanks to all our players and volunteers for their generosity and to the CRCC staff for their help. It was a fun day, and we appreciate the District of Kent Council approving the donation of multi-day passes to the Centre as prizes,” Inkman added.
