Over 200 Competitors Raise $31,000 for Mental Health in Penticton

The fourth annual Pickleball for Mental Health tournament in Penticton successfully raised $31,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association – South Okanagan Similkameen (CMHA-SOS). The event, which took place from August 29 to 31, 2023, attracted 217 players from various regions, showcasing a spirited competition across all ages and skill levels.

Held at the Robinson Park outdoor pickleball courts, the tournament featured three days of games, emphasizing not only athleticism but also community support for mental health initiatives. Proceeds from the event directly fund essential mental health programs and services in the area, including suicide prevention training, anger management classes, Mental Health First Aid, and a meals program for individuals living with mental illness.

Leah Schulting, Executive Director of CMHA-SOS, expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s growth. “We saw incredible growth this year — more players, more sponsors, more volunteer referees, and more spectators,” Schulting stated. “This tournament continues to grow in popularity, and the community support has been truly heartwarming.”

The tournament is organized in partnership with the Penticton Pickleball Club, which manages the schedule of games and has provided referees in the past. Local businesses also played a significant role as sponsors, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing mental health resources in the community.

Local participants demonstrated their skills during the tournament, with many achieving notable finishes. The medal winners included:

– **3.0, any age**: SILVER – Markus Quintero & Teresa Dingil
– **3.5, 55+**: GOLD – Ronna Pearson & Bill Pacheco; SILVER – Lori Burgoyne & Jason Schubert; BRONZE – Mary Wu & Curtis Hamilton
– **3.5, 60+**: GOLD – Helen Tidder & Steve Tidder; BRONZE – Monica Weeks & Scott Meakins
– **4.0, 55+**: SILVER – Anita Marshall & Rick Marshall
– **4.5+**: SILVER – Megan Dorrington & Kham Douangpanya
– **3.0, any age**: SILVER – Jim Cowden & Bob Dinel
– **3.5, any age**: SILVER – Jason Schubert & Donovan Rogall
– **3.5, 55+**: GOLD – Gerald Watson; SILVER – Lee Abel & Bill Pacheco
– **4.0, age 55+**: SILVER – Barry Trembley & Bob Craig; BRONZE – Laurent Banerd & Rick Marshall
– **4.5+, any age**: GOLD – Greg Machtaler
– **4.5+, 55+**: SILVER – Gord Barnes & Dave Burgoyne
– **3.0, 55+**: SILVER – Emilie Clare & Teresa Dingil; BRONZE – Cornelia Castle & Wendy Shanks
– **3.5, any age**: GOLD – Helen Tidder; SILVER – Julie Cornett-Ching & Allison Henry
– **3.5, 55+**: GOLD – Michelle Trembley; BRONZE – Karen Gallagher & Allison Schubert
– **3.5, 62+**: GOLD – Jane Trousdell & Monica Weeks; SILVER – Sue Munro
– **4.0+, 55+**: GOLD – Lori Burgoyne & Anita Marshall

This tournament not only serves as a platform for athletic competition but also highlights the importance of mental health awareness and community involvement. The funds raised will significantly impact local mental health support services, reinforcing the vital connection between sport and community well-being.