In its sixth year, the Orcas Island Rotary Pickleball Tournament in Eastsound, Washington State, more than doubled the funds raised for the Orcas community, accumulating a net total of $13,000.
Strengthening The Social Services Safety Net
Tournament Director Linda Hamilton said, “It’s our mission with this tournament to use our pickleball nets to strengthen the social services safety net in our community.”
The Orcas Island Pickleball Club told Island Sounder that the proceeds will be allocated to the Orcas Island Resource Center and local scholarships for college and trade-school programs.
The two-day tournament, held on August 24-25, hosted 62 players from Orcas, San Juan, Lopez islands, Oahu, and the mainland.
Featured events ranged from mixed doubles, women’s, and men’s doubles to a BBQ in the park on Saturday afternoon and a prize raffle to bolster the launch of the new Orcas Island Pickleball Club.
Next year’s tournament is intended for the weekend of August 10 to 11, 2024 – mark your calendars!
Generous Support
The pivotal element for the success of this event was the generous support of the community sponsors:
- Island Market – Presenting Sponsor
- Co-Sponsors: Banner Bank, Chicory Wealth, Island Petroleum, Rays Pharmacy, Con’s Pit Stop, Island Life
- Sponsors: Gudgell Properties, Linda Hamilton, Bob McPherson, Rainshadow Solar, Sea Island, Star Surveying
- Supporters: Frank & Barbara Fagen, Island Hardware & Supply, Island Thyme, Paul & Tammy Pollard, Greg Stafford
- Donors: Dianne Bennett, Forest Ceramics, Orcas Food Co-op, Orcas Island Parks & Recreation.
Heartfelt Gratitude
The pickleball community extends its heartfelt gratitude to the tennis players who graciously granted access to the two tennis courts at Buck Park.
Four temporary courts were set up, effectively doubling the number of pickleball courts available for the tournament. Their cooperation and support were greatly appreciated.
Rotary International
Orcas Island Rotary wholeheartedly aligns with the values and endeavors of Rotary International.
As a satellite of the San Juan Islands Rotary Club, they embrace the club’s overarching purpose: “Changing our community, our country, and the world through goodwill and service above self.”
Meetings for Orcas Rotary are held via Zoom every first Friday at 9 a.m. and every third Friday at 5 p.m.
A Robust Pickleball Community
The Orcas Island Pickleball Club (OIPC) is a newly established organization of pickleball enthusiasts dedicated to fostering a robust pickleball community on Orcas Island.
Founding memberships in OIPC can be acquired here (cash or check is accepted until online payment is available).
They warmly welcome participants of all levels. Court times can be scheduled on playtimescheduler.com, and drop-ins are encouraged.
Newcomers and visitors are wholeheartedly invited to join in play, with new player orientation sessions readily accessible.
Event Location And Results
The event was held at Buck Park, 301-699 Mt Baker Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245. This was the sixth time the park had been chosen as the venue.
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands and lies in northwestern Washington. It is about 75 miles north of Seattle and about 24 miles south of the Canadian border. Its population is around 4,500.
Notable achievements include the mother and daughter team of Leah and Jen Black securing first place in Group A Women’s Doubles.
In Group A Men’s Doubles, the honors go to Nigel Oswald, Jemuel Morris (first place), and Michael Harlow and Valerie Alexandov (second place).
Here’s a full list of the event winners and runners-up:
Group A Mixed Doubles:
(1) Leah and Gib Black
(2) Christine and Kevin Lee
Group B Mixed Doubles:
(1) Shelbi and Ryan Kendrick
(2) Monica Connell and Ethan Brazil
Group A Women’s Doubles:
(1) Leah and Jen Black
(2) Jenny Shrum and Carolyn Story
Group B Women’s Doubles:
(1) Monica Connell and Barb Skotte
(2) Donna Laslo and Rosedanie Cadet
Group A Men’s Doubles:
(1) Jemuel Morris and Nigel Oswald
(2) Michael Harlow and Valerie Alexandov
Group B Men’s Doubles:
(1) Ron Claus and Tony Andrade
(2) Bob McPherson and Matthew Laslo
