The inaugural FUNDERBALL pickleball charity event was held on February 22 at Tennis Clubs of Canada’s “Bubble” in Niagara Falls. FUNDERBALL lived up to its name “FUN” and “FUNDER”, raising over $2,500 for Michael Seliske, Niagara-born marathon runner, to donate to the Shaftesbury Group as part of his mandate to compete in the London Marathon this April. The Shaftesbury Group is a UK-based charity committed to enabling people with disabilities.
FUNDERBALL was a unique fundraiser that included fun pickleball drills and challenging games for participants to demonstrate their physical and mental skills to earn points towards prizing. Games included playful, pickleball-related activities such as dinking-only games, reverse-score games (where score goes back to zero if the ball is hit into the net), rotating partners (think of pickleball musical chairs), serve-to-the-hoop, pickleball trivia and other unusual competitions.
Winners of the event were Ray Haymes in 1st place, Leanna Lococco in 2nd place, both from NOTL Pickleball Club. The 3rd place winner was Rachel Friedmann, from Owen Sound. Rachel heard about the event by doing a random Google Search on fun Ontario pickleball events and drove three hours to attend the event.
“It was great to watch everyone having so much fun,” said Karen Seliske, one of the organizers of the event. “The event was everything we hoped for and more.”
The event attracted avid pickleball enthusiasts of all skills levels from beginners to highly competitive players. Marilyn Abbs, a Para Athlete, who attended said, “It was great to play in the recent FUNDERBALL event. There were many different stations set up, all made to challenge even the most skilled pickleball players. The volunteers were helpful and kind, always giving encouraging words to keep things moving along.”
Also in attendance were several young pickleball players from Community Connects, Port Colborne.
Sponsors included Ed Maga of Niagara Academy of Tennis, who donated a five-week Nike Pickleball Camp, a pickleball net, Selkirk and Slash pickleball paddles and Selkirk S1 pickleball balls. Other donors were Kitchen Blockers, Volcano Pizza, Shoppers, Pharma Choice, Hanemaayer Greenhouses, Tennis Clubs of Canada, Niagara Indoor Pickleball Association (NIPA) and HG Communications.
FUNDERBALL was developed and organized by Niagara Indoor Pickleball Association (NIPA) members. Many NIPA members came out to support the event or donated to support a fellow Club member. A good time was had by all.
Winners pictured from left to right are Rachel Friedmann (bronze), Ray Haymes (gold) and Leanne Lococco (silver).