The first charity pickleball tournament “Paddles for Peace” was held in the state of New Jersey, bringing together 16 teams, dozens of fans and volunteers. According to the results of the event, organized by the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America (UCCA), it was possible to raise 3,290 US dollars, which will be directed to humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
This was reported in a press release from the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America (UCCA).
The “Charity Pickleball Tournament in Support of Ukraine” was held on August 27 at the courts in Wildwood Crest (New Jersey). 16 teams participated in the competition, and dozens of family members, friends and supporters of Ukraine came to support the players.
All funds raised during the event will go to the #SupportUkraine humanitarian program, through which the UCCA provides humanitarian aid and non-lethal equipment to those affected by the Russian war.
The tournament was organized by the UCCA Executive Director Tamara Oleksiy and Yaroslav Palylyk from the UCCA, and the competition was conducted by the president of the Sich Sports Society Oleksandr Hladkyi. After the group stage, the teams continued their fight in the semifinals and finals.
The winners of the tournament were Kalyna Figol and Petro Podobynskyi, who defeated Mykhailo and Roman Holovatykh in the final series. Oles Zielonka and Nicole Tkachuk took first place in the consolation bracket.
In addition to the sports competitions, the UCCA organized a charity lottery. Local businesses and donors provided gifts, including restaurant vouchers, entertainment, merchandise and tickets to cultural events.
Organizers thanked MudHen Brewing Company, Cape May National Golf Club, Ocean Outfitters, Jellyfish Café and Britton’s Gourmet Bakery for their support of the event. Special thanks went to Khrysta Stasyuk, who donated two tickets to the upcoming Broadway production of “Dolly: A True Original Musical.”
The tournament and charity raffle raised $3,290. The UCCA noted that 100% of the proceeds will go to humanitarian aid programs in Ukraine.
“The extraordinary support from players, spectators, volunteers, benefactors and local businesses showed that a community can come together – even around a regular day of pickleball – and make a significant contribution to supporting Ukraine,” the UCCA said.
The organization also thanked all participants, volunteers, donors and partners who helped make the first charity tournament possible, emphasizing that the funds raised will help continue to provide critical humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians affected by the war.
Photo: UCCA
Author: Inna Mikhno