People across the region are picking up their paddles for a purpose as a four-day pickleball tournament in Johnson City aims to do more than just provide competition. The "Rally for Roofs" event is raising money to help build homes, combining sport with service.
Holston Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 40 years of service, and this tournament is the latest effort to bring people together for a cause. The "Rally for Roofs" is involved in Memorial Park in Johnson City, Kingsport and E-Town Pickleball in Elizabethton. "This is a four-day pickleball tournament we knew that pickleball was one that we really wanted to host as a community event, and we reached out to Eastman Recreation. They were 100% in," said Jane Wasem, director of development for Holston Habitat for Humanity.
With more than 200 participants, the tournament is drawing bigger crowds than expected, but for Habitat, the mission goes far beyond the game. "Every day of the tournament, we have ways that people can donate and get involved we’re breaking ground on a 12-home neighborhood this summer in Johnson City," Wasem said.
Eastman Recreation's support has been instrumental in organizing the event, rain or shine.
"We were lucky, so we go on the outdoor courts. But we also have backup courts, like the indoor facilities, in case it does rain," said Wendell Smith of Eastman Recreation.
For Smith and the entire team behind the tournament, it’s all about the community.
"The great thing about pickleball is that the pickleball community is so kind they’re willing to adjust what we need to do to make things work," Smith said.
Source: https://wcyb.com/news/local/pickleball-tournament-in-johnson-city-raises-funds-for-habitat-for-humanity