The Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball Center is leveraging its platform to support research into rare forms of cancer by hosting the 2nd annual Play It Forward pickleball tournament on Saturday, August 5th.
Raising Awareness And Funds
News channel Steamboat Pilot & Today recently wrote a feature story talking about a charity pickleball event to raise money for rare cancer research.
The event will take place at 2500 Pine Grove Rd, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487.
The tournament is set to feature 64 pickleball players with skill levels ranging from 3.0 to 4.5+, including some very accomplished athletes.
Its primary purpose is to raise awareness and funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a renowned cancer research institution located in New York City. By participating in this event, the players and attendees can contribute to a worthy cause while also enjoying a thrilling feast of pickleball.
A Goal Of $75,000
Sarah Bradford is the event organizer and says, “Every player was strongly encouraged to raise $500 to bring on that day with a goal of raising a total of $75,000 between our 64 players as well as sponsors and the general public.”
She adds that the main goals of the event revolve around educating the community about rare cancer and generating funds for research that might not receive government funding otherwise.
The Local Impact Of Rare Cancer
Moreover, the event seeks to highlight the local impact of rare cancer on the Steamboat community. To achieve this, the organizers plan to share stories of five local individuals who either currently have or have had rare cancer.
These personal narratives will be shared throughout the day, providing a powerful insight into the challenges faced by those affected by rare forms of cancer within the community.
By sharing these stories, the event aims to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of supporting rare cancer research and how it directly impacts people on a local level in Steamboat.
“We are trying to raise awareness that this is happening in our community and we have to get to it because when private donations are given, that can jump-start the research for these rare cancers and then the government will pony up,” said Sarah.
An Exciting Shootout Format
The tournament will feature an exciting shootout format, allowing participants the opportunity to compete against multiple opponents. When the gameplay is over, a lively after-party awaits, complete with delicious food, music, and prizes to celebrate the day’s events.
Bradford enthusiastically invites Steamboat residents to join the gathering at the Pickleball Center, where they can witness top-notch pickleball action and gain valuable insights into rare cancer and its impact on the local community.
The tournament will kick off with the 3.0-3.5 level players, who will compete from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Following that, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the 3.5-level-and-up players will showcase their skills.
Sarah finishes by saying, “If people are at all interested in watching a sporting event, watching the advanced athletes would be something to come watch. They are really good.”
Read about other charity events we have covered by clicking here.
