Pickleball Tournament

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will host its inaugural Pickleball Tournament on April 19th, 2024 at San Diego Mission Bay Resort (1775 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109).

The community is invited to join for a fun day by the bay with some friendly competition. Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Popular for its fast pace and exciting nature, the game is accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Spectators are welcome to attend and cheer on the players, enjoy complimentary food, and participate in the opportunity drawing to win prizes.

The event is open to players at all skill levels, from first timers to experienced pickleball players. The first session will begin at 9 a.m. with an introductory lesson taught by an experienced pickleball instructor for first-time and novice players. The lesson will be followed by an interactive game for participants at this level. The second session will begin at 11 a.m. for experienced players. This session’s tournament will be round-robin format, with each competitor playing in turns against each other. Paddles will be provided for all participants.

The tournament will raise funds for SMSC’s nationally recognized innovative programs, such as the Activity Center, Adult Developmental Center, Behavior Modification Program, and Senior Program. The center’s “Life Program” allows students to develop creative outlets, learn marketable skills, and gain a sense of independence and self-esteem. Over 400 students attend SMSC, ranging from high school graduates to seniors in their eighties.

Registration is open now for participation and spectating. Sponsorship and donation opportunities are also available. To register, please visit https://stmsc.org/event/pickleball/.