CULLMAN, Ala. – United Way of Cullman County’s Young Professionals will host a pickleball tournament Saturday, Oct. 4, at Ingle Park.
State Farm Agency Owner and Agent JD Isbell, who is the presenting sponsor, said the event is a fundraiser.
“If successful, we plan to make it an annual thing,” Isbell said. “I have recently been named as a board member for the United Way of Cullman County. Before that, I served as a member of the Young Professionals Board. I’ve sponsored the Designer Bag Bingo event that United Way has put on and decided this would be a great opportunity to help the organization this year. It’s such a great organization to be able to support.”
Isbell said UWCC helps many people across the county, and it’s important to support them.
“We’d love to see a big turnout for this event and make this an annual thing,” Isbell said. “This is the first local pickleball event and I’m excited to watch it take place.”
Local pickleball enthusiast Savannah Privett has helped the event take off by getting the word out through social media, posting flyers and word of mouth.
“Pickleball has taken off at such a rapid speed and Cullman has so many players that range from beginners to advanced. I think we will begin seeing more tournaments locally,” she said. “We will have divisions ranging from beginners to advanced. Whether you’re looking to dip your feet into the tournament world or wanting to compete with the top local players, there’s a spot for everyone.”
United Way partnered with Jonny Pickleball Andrews to help launch the first ever Cullman pickleball tournament.
According to United Way’s Facebook page, “His passion for the game and love for the community make him the perfect partner to help us launch this event. Jonny is known as the original showman of pickleball — bringing energy, excitement, and entertainment everywhere he plays. A U.S. Army veteran, pro medalist, coach, podcast host, and creator of the Jonny Pickleball Show, he has dedicated his life to growing the sport and giving back, including working with veteran organizations to make pickleball a positive outlet.”
Publix is the Community Partner for the event, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. If your business would like to be part of the event, contact Taylor Johnson at tjohnson@uwaycc.org.
To register and check times, visit www.pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/united-way-of-cullman-county-pickleball-tournament-1.
Ingle Park is located at 1630 Field of Miracles Dr. SW in Cullman.
