Troy Shantz
A Sarnia-based charity is looking to harness the city’s fastest growing sport for its next fundraiser.
Rayjon is organizing a Pickleball day for April 8 at St. Patrick’s High School, with proceeds supporting its aid projects in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
“There’s golf tournaments and volleyball tournaments, but nobody's doing pickleball,” said event organizer Deb MacLaren. “We’re trying to keep it fresh.”
Pickleball was actually invented 50 years ago but has recently taken off, especially among the 50-plus crowd.
The sport is played by two or four players on a reduced-sized tennis court using a ‘whiffle ball’ and oversized, lightweight paddles.
And Sarnians love it. Several hundred pickleballers play outdoors and indoors each week at the YMCA, Strangway Centre and Lambton College.
The Rayjon pickleball event begins with an 11 a.m. instructional session followed by a non-competitive doubles tournament.
All equipment is provided, but players can bring their own. Included with participation is a pizza lunch.
Rayjon is a Sarnia-based group that oversees ongoing community development projects in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. For more information about the programs, visit rayjon.org.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: 2nd Annual Pickleball event in support of Rayjon
WHEN: April 8, 11 a.m.
WHERE: St. Patrick’s High School (main gym), 1001 Rapids Pkwy.
TICKETS: $30 individuals, $50 couples