2023 Hollyburn Spring Charity Invitational Tournament Press Release

Contact: Wendy Toyer
Executive Director, ALS Society of BC
604-278-2257 Ext. 222
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2023

Pickleball Enthusiasts Unite for a Worthy Cause at the 2023 Hollyburn Spring Charity Invitational Tournament.

West Vancouver, British Columbia – Participants, volunteers, and spectators alike converged with an overwhelming sense of community and camaraderie at the 2023 Hollyburn Spring Charity Invitational Pickleball Tournament. Hosted by the Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver, the two-day event took place amidst sunny blue skies and breathtaking vista backdrops, creating the perfect setting for a memorable competition.

The Charity Invitational Pickleball Tournament proved to be much more than just a sporting event; it was a gathering of like-minded individuals coming together for a common cause and a shared passion for the sport of pickleball. Amidst the joy and excitement of the matches, there was an even greater sense of satisfaction, knowing that they were positively impacting the lives of those in need.

David Snell, the dedicated Tournament Director, along with the support of the Hollyburn Pickleball Committee, sponsors, and a team of hardworking volunteers, poured their hearts and efforts into making this tournament an incredible success. Through their collective dedication, the event successfully raised an impressive $7,600.00 in donations and garnered significant awareness for the ALS Society of British Columbia.

The Hollyburn Spring Charity Invitational Pickleball Tournament in 2023 was a touching tribute to John McCoach, a pickleball enthusiast and a beacon of strength within the club. McCoach is a courageous person living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and his unwavering strength in the face of this disease is truly remarkable. The tournament aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by those affected by this debilitating disease while also offering support and hope for a brighter future through generous charitable contributions.

The generosity of the participants, sponsors, and supporters who came together for this worthy cause showcases the power of sports to unite people and make a difference in the community. The ALS Society of British Columbia will use the funds raised from the tournament to provide vital programs and services, including resources, support groups, equipment, and technology devices, to help improve the lives of individuals who are fighting ALS.

The success of the 2023 Hollyburn Spring Charity Invitational Pickleball Tournament stands as a testament to the goodwill and compassion that thrives within the pickleball community and beyond. Combining their love for the sport with a deep sense of social responsibility, these individuals have exemplified the true spirit of giving back.

The Hollyburn Pickleball Committee and all involved extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the tournament’s success and those who supported the cause in any way. Together, they have demonstrated that great things can be achieved when a community rallies together.

For more information about the Hollyburn Pickleball Committee and future events, please get in touch with David Snell at [email protected].

Photo: Members of the Hollyburn Country Club and the Hollyburn Pickleball Tournament Director present a cheque to the ALS Society of British Columbia on Monday, July 17, 2023. Pictured from left to right are Navin Autar of ALS Society of BC, John McCoach, Hollyburn Country Club and Pickleball Member, Nancy Chapman, Acting General Manager of Hollyburn Country Club, and David Snell, Tournament Director and Club Member.

Logos & Photos

About ALS BC: The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of British Columbia (ALSBC) was founded in 1981 by Dr. Andrew Eisen, ALS patients and family members to meet the physical and emotional needs of people living with ALS and their caregivers. Our mission is to cure ALS through funding research, while advocating for and supporting people living with ALS.

About ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects the person’s motor neurons that carry messages to the muscles resulting in weakness and wasting in arms, legs, mouth, throat and elsewhere. Typically, the person is immobilized within two to five years of the initial diagnosis. There is no known cause or cure yet, but there is hope through the ALS Society of BC.

About Hollyburn Country Club: Hollyburn is committed to being a private country club that meets the needs of its members of all ages. We deliver exceptional member experiences by continuously improving our services, facilities and programming. In pursuing our vision, we will ensure that Hollyburn is a premier athletic facility that provides exceptional recreational, competitive and social opportunities in a safe, respectful, friendly and family-oriented environment.

About Pickleball: In 2022, Pickleball celebrated its 57th anniversary. The game is now widely played across every State in the US and every Canadian Province, with over 1100 venues available. In 2021 alone, more than 70 new locations were added, resulting in a 39.3% growth rate over two years. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) declared in its February 2022 Topline Participation Report that Pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in both the US and Canada. The Association of Pickleball Professionals recently released a study that showed that 48.3M adults in the US played at least once in the proceeding 12 months, representing a 35% increase since a year ago.

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