GoodHeart | Do Good Pickleball Tourney puts a good cause in play

The competition was fierce, but the cause was bigger than the bragging rights at stake when 42 teams gathered at Pickle & Chill Jamaica in St Andrew last Saturday for the second staging of the Do Good Pickleball Tourney. Bankers, lawyers, marketers, insurers and entrepreneurs turned out for the event, which brought corporate Jamaica together, while raising funds for Jacks Hill Primary and Infant School and Higholborn Street Basic School.

Last year’s tournament raised more than $2.6 million, which was split between the two schools. The total raised this year is still being tallied and will be announced when the funds are handed over to the schools.

“We’re back for the sport and the two schools, to bring corporate Jamaica together and to have fun while doing it,” said Djuvane Browne, chief executive officer of One Great Studio (1GS), which hosts the tournament alongside Myers, Fletcher & Gordon (MF&G).

“Last year’s funds went into infrastructure, including a solar system that took one school off the grid and lowered its energy costs, and improving classroom spaces. It’s an honour to see over 80 players and more sponsors than last year come out this time. In Jamaica, we say ‘every mickle mek a muckle’. We believe, if everybody does a little bit, together we can do a lot.”

The venue was packed throughout the afternoon, with spectators lining the courts to cheer on colleagues, friends and family as the competition heated up.

This year, teams competed across two divisions: Class A for advanced players, and Class B for intermediate and beginner players. The tournament moved through preliminary rounds, quarterfinals and semifinals before the third-place playoffs and finals.

In Class A, Elevated’s Kyle Gregg and Jordan Lowe claimed the title after recovering from a game down to defeat Fresh Approach’s Maung Khant and Kobi Stiebel, 7-11, 11-5, 11-9.

The Meet the Mitchells team, comprising Wayne Mitchell and Dwayne Pagon, placed third, while MF&G’s Hostile Takeover, Ryan Gentles and Jachin Mullings, finished fourth.

Class B was the tournament’s largest bracket, featuring 32 teams. Suite Heat, represented by Roland ‘Randy’ Phillips and Adam Minott of The Suites Surgery Center, claimed the title, defeating Fun for All’s Mark Orelue and Paul Matthews. Hi-End, represented by Philip Schwapp and Stefon Spleen of Hi-End Luxury Auto, finished third.

For Gregg, owner of Elevated Renovations, the charity aspect was a key reason for getting involved. Having played pickleball for two years, he entered his first tournament this year, with his company also sponsoring the event.

“This was our first time participating, and we loved that it was a charity event. That’s why we sponsored the event and entered a team as well. It was great to see such a strong turnout, and the vibes were up!” he explained.

TM Traders Ltd, which operates Port of Call Duty Free, returned as both a sponsor and competitor, entering Big Pickle, Likkle Pickle in Class B and The Squashed Pickles in Class A.

“As a family-founded and family-run business, we place great value on supporting initiatives that bring people together and give back to the community. We also recognise the importance of encouraging Jamaicans of all ages to get active, for their physical health and their mental well-being,” said TM Traders Director Warren Burrowes.

“One of the highlights for me was watching my son compete in his very first tournament. We had such a positive experience last year that returning was an easy decision, and we’re already looking forward to coming back next year!”

Gina DeLisser, co-founder and chief operating officer of 1GS, reflected on the response to last year’s tournament.

“Sponsors and participants kept telling us how much they enjoyed the tournament. The atmosphere has been one of good family time, where people can enjoy healthy competition for a good cause. The principals of the schools that benefited last year have also expressed their gratitude,” she said.

Christopher E. Kelman, managing partner of MF&G, said the firm was pleased to support the event for a second year.

“Doing good is in our DNA, so we’re happy to join forces again in this very laudable effort for the two schools. The tournament combines wellness, networking, and corporate social responsibility, and we’re pleased to see so many companies turn out as good corporate citizens to support a cause that matters,” he said.

goodheart@gleanerjm.com