Prince Edward Pickleball will be hosting its first fundraising pickleball tournament to take place at the Picton Community Centre July 29 and 30, 2023.

This first-time event is being administered by Tournament Chairs Peter Gamble and Dan Lee, both of whom are not only experienced players, but known pickleball advocates.

Meant to be a recreational and fun tournament, the event will serve players in the following skill brackets; 2.5 and under, 3.0, and 3.5 and over. The age requirement is 18 years and older. Doubles play will be divided between the two day event – Men’s and Women’s will both play on July 29 with Mixed Doubles taking place on July 30.

The tournament is sponsored through the County of Prince Edward’s Community Grant program.

“Recipients work hard to create meaningful events, programs and projects for the enjoyment and betterment of the community as a whole, ” Mayor Steve Ferguson said when local government announced the 2023 recipients. “I am encouraged to see the variety of programs that were funded in 2023 and look forward to seeing the results in the community.”

To register for the tournament visit Pickleball Brackets First Annual Prince Edward Pickleball Fundraising Tournament (pickleballbrackets.com).

Deadline to enter is July 21. This event will be completely fuelled by dedicated volunteers and all proceeds will be going towards the building of six dedicated pickleball courts in Picton.

The group is currently seeking Sponsors for this worthwhile event. Expected attendance of up to 200 participants plus spectators will bring a substantial amount of visitors from across Ontario to The County over the weekend, bringing considerable short and long-term economic gain to local businesses.

PEP is a community-based, volunteer group designated as a “Project of Community Interest” by the Corporation of Prince Edward County in April 2022, driving the fundraising efforts to build six new dedicated pickleball courts in Picton, Ontario.

To discuss sponsorship, fundraising collaborations, volunteer your skills, or to be added to the mailing list, PEP can be reached at [email protected].

-Staff