Submitted by Orcas Rotary

Orcas Rotary’s first annual pickleball tournament, held at Buck Park on Saturday, July 15, delighted many in the community and began a friendly rivalry between Orcas and San Juan Island pickleball advocates. Sponsorships and entry fees raised $2,440, which will subsidize tickets for events at the Orcas Center.

“We are thrilled at the success of our first tournament and plan to expand the event next year,” said Rotary Tournament Chairwoman Linda Hamilton.

The 55 matches on four courts engaged 37 participants, including eight players from Friday Harbor and two from Richland.

“The whole day had such great energy, and fun was had by all,” said Committee Vice-chairwoman Kathy Kantrud.

Pickleball Winners: Women’s Mixed Doubles: Diana Sepita/Cathy Lee ( Friday Harbor); Men’s Open Division: Rick Hughes/Gib Black (Orcas Island); Mixed Doubles: Brent Snow/Cathy Lee (Friday Harbor); Men’s Advanced Doubles: Bob Elford/Ken Franklin (Friday Harbor).

Sponsors for the event were Islanders Bank, Kenmore Air, Linda Hamilton, Ralph Kaplan, and Ray’s Pharmacy, with in-kind contributions from Eastsound Water and the Islands’ Sounder.

“We thank Orcas Parks and Recreation for assisting us in many ways: courts, nets, balls, trash cans as well as in making the area beautiful for the games,” Hamilton said, “and special thanks go to the Orcas Rotary and Orcas Pickleball groups for helping with tents, coolers, ice, chairs, moral support, and most important — participation!”