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By NICK GREEN
Washington Daily News

A local Belhaven pickleball group is looking to raise awareness of the sport and to build a larger indoor facility. Part of the process is hosting a pickleball tournament with two courts at River Forest Manor (738 E Main St.) and one at Charles Smith Park (914 E Main St.) This is their first year hosting the tournament but are hopeful it can be done annually. The doubles tournament will take place Saturday, June 8, and will cost $30 a team, guaranteeing at least four games and a gift bag for all players involved. There will also be food trucks, ice cream trucks, and music at the event.

“Pickleball is huge in Belhaven, we have a group that meets every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and we wanted to elevate this,” tournament spokesperson Jeanne Snodgrass said. “We are hoping this will bring people to Belhaven to do something we love.”

There will be cash prizes for the winning teams and a 50/50 raffle for the community. The tournament is open for all ages and skill levels. They will play a round robin before playing a single elimination tournament. Interested participants can contact the Belhaven Chamber of Commerce.

Washington is hosting Pickleball for Dementia on Saturday, June 15, at the Athletic Edge Sports Complex (1100 W 5th St.) All levels of pickleball players are encouraged to come out to play, beginners will learn and practice in the morning, followed by special guest speakers at noon and intermediate and advanced players at one p.m.

“Pickleball just makes sense for our area, there are a lot of aging and retired people who just want to stay active, and this is a great way to do that,” event spokesperson Pam Rice said.

The event will provide food, raffles, and prizes and all proceeds will go directly to the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina. Interested participants can register online at www.dementianc.org/pickleball2024 which will be available through June 10, or they can show up with cash or check.