Successful Inaugural Ignite Potential Pickleball Tournament

YMCA of Eastern Ontario News Release:
Successful Inaugural Ignite Potential Pickleball Tournament

Brockville, ON – July 20, 2024

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario proudly announces the success of its first Ignite Potential Pickleball Tournament, held on July 20, 2024, at the newly refurbished Otto Almoslino Courts in Brockville.

This exciting new event drew pickleball enthusiasts from across the region and raised $21,120 for the YMCA’s Financial Assistance Program (FAP), which ensures access to healthy programs for everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.

“We are overwhelmed by the community's support for our inaugural Ignite Potential Pickleball Tournament,” said Rob Adams, CEO of YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “The funds raised will directly benefit our Financial Assistance Program, allowing us to continue providing crucial services and programs to those in need within our community.”

The tournament featured a round-robin format with three divisions, guaranteeing players five games each, including four sets of play plus championship and consolation rounds. Games were played to 11 points or 15 minutes, whichever came first. Participants and spectators praised the well-organized structure and the friendly, competitive spirit throughout the day.

Division Winners:

Women’s Open:

• Champions: Gisele MacNeil & Terri Kennedy
• Finalists: Jennifer Pickman & Debbie McDonald

Mixed 3.5 and Over:

• Champions: David & Shari Bolger
• Finalists: Peter & Sheila Kingston

Men’s 3.5 and Over:

• Champions: David Bolger & Loan Duong
• Finalists: John Pattemore & Paul Sargeant

The YMCA’s six outdoor pickleball courts, fully accessible and conveniently located near indoor change rooms and water fountains, provided the perfect venue for the event. Participants enjoyed light refreshments and a BBQ by-donation lunch provided by Brockville Hyundai who showed their support not once, but twice, as one of our event sponsors.

Every member of our Board of Directors showed their dedication to the YMCA’s mission by making personal donations to support the event, highlighting their belief in the YMCA's potential to create positive change in our community.

“The success of this event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and participants,” added Adams. “Their dedication and generosity exemplify the spirit of our community and the core values of the YMCA.”

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Looking Ahead:
Due to the tremendous success and positive feedback, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario is already planning for next year’s tournament. We invite everyone to join us again in celebrating community spirit and supporting our mission to ignite potential in all individuals.

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About the YMCA of Eastern Ontario:
The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that provides programs and services to improve health and health outcomes, develops leaders, helps build social connections and provides safe, inclusive spaces for people of all ages. The Y is Canada’s largest provider of childcare with trademarked curricula and offers fitness and other specialized programs including Work Hard Eat Well, Teen Night, Teen Drop-in and Total Life Care. www.eo.ymca.ca

Sponsorship Opportunities:
For those interested in sponsoring future events, such as our Annual Fire Truck Pull in October, please contact Anna Hudson at anna.hudson@eo.ymca.ca or 613-342-7961 ext. 30.

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Anna Hudson
Executive Assistant & Association Support
YMCA of Eastern Ontario
anna.hudson@eo.ymca.ca
613-342-7961 ext. 30