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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Arc of Shelby County is hosting the first ever Pickleball for All—The Arc of Shelby County Challenge tournament on Sunday, June 22, adding a new fundraiser to their efforts in assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities and delays.

The tournament is being hosted in partnership with Magic City Indoor Pickleball Club in Homewood. Registration is now open, costing $50 per player. There are also four different sponsorship levels at the event: a T-Shirt Sponsor for $1,000, a Court Sponsor for $750, a Cooler Sponsor for $500 and a Bracket sponsor for $300.

Carole Lyons, the director of development and community relations for The Arc of Shelby County, discussed the inspiration behind the organization launching a new fundraiser.

“We were inspired to launch the first annual Pickleball for All tournament as a fun, inclusive way to bring the community together while raising awareness and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and delays,” Lyons said. “Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country and it’s accessible to people of all ages and skill levels, which makes it a perfect fit for our mission of inclusion.”

Lyons further said that the Arc wanted to create an event that encourages active participation and involves participants, families, supporters and the community.

“It’s more than just a tournament; it’s a chance to engage new supporters, build connections and ensure that the individuals we serve continue to have access to life-changing services and support,” Lyons said.

Lyons said that the Arc had initially reached out to many of Shelby County’s parks and recreation departments regarding the fundraiser, but the courts are strictly used for community play and are unavailable for a fundraiser tournament.

“We hoped to stay within the county, but the idea of having it indoors during the month of June was a bonus when I found out about Magic City Indoor Pickleball Club,” Lyons said. “Once I spoke to their sales manager, she shared her experience with fundraisers like ours and has experience hosting them. We are working with them closely to organize a great event to raise money while having fun.”

Lyons further explained the registration process and said the event is open to all willing to participate.

“All ages can participate,” Lyons said. “We have many levels of play; male, female and coed. There is no age limit and we invite everyone to register to play. We would love people from Shelby County and surrounding areas to come out, learn more about the programs, services and who we are while having fun on the courts.”

Players can register in the Beginner Bracket at the 2.0 and 2.5 level individually for $50. The Competitive Level brackets at 3.0 and 3.5 are for two-player teams and cost $50 per player.

“We hope to meet our goal of 120 players this year for a half-day tournament, and next year grow into a full-day or weekend event,” Lyons said. “The event will begin at 12:30 p.m., with the Beginner Level players checking in, and then play begins. At 2 p.m., Competitive 3.0 teams will check in, and at 4 p.m. the Competitive 3.5 teams will check in and compete. After each bracket, medals will be awarded to the top three players or teams depending on the bracket.”

According to Lyons, the funds raised at the event will go into The Arc of Shelby County’s various programs and services it offers.

“The Arc provides early intervention and children services from birth through age three,” Lyons said. “We offer employment services, community services and we have a day program, New Visions. Through advocacy, coaching and support, we empower individuals with developmental disabilities and delays and their families to achieve their goals. We have served individuals and families in Shelby County for 51 years and are currently serving over 1,760 across the county.”

Lyons shared that she believes it is important for the community to support events like this, especially when it comes to advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities.

“Supporting events like the Pickleball for All tournament is vital because they shine a spotlight on the abilities, potential and value of individuals with developmental disabilities while involving the community in that message,” Lyons said. “These events are not just fundraisers; they’re opportunities for advocacy, education and connection. The visibility and funds raised through events like this directly support programs that empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live, work and thrive in their own communities.”

For more information on The Arc of Shelby County, visit Thearcofshelby.org. For more information on how to sponsor the event, visit Arcofshelbycopickleballforall.swell.gives.