Winona Lake Pickleball Courts will be the scene of a Charity Pickleball Tournament Sept. 9 and 10. Photo by Shari Benyousky.

News Release

WINONA LAKE —The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, the town of Winona Lake, the Pickleball Phanatics, and the Winona Lake Parks Department are excited to announce the first Charity Pickleball Tournament on the new Winona Lake Pickleball Courts with proceeds to benefit Combined Community Services.

Tournament Director Dave Thieme said, “This tournament was created to raise awareness of Kosciusko County and the new Winona Lake courts where the tournament will be held. Our goal is to have over 100 players register, and all skill levels are welcomed. Contact me for more details.”

Tournament Director Dave Thieme.

Pickleball Phanatics is the local pickleball club which practices at both Winona Lake Park (advanced players) and Kelly Park (recreational level players).

Mike and Kayla Metzger originated Pickleball in the Warsaw/Winona Lake area more than 12 years ago. The group began playing at the Lucerne Park Senior Center, moved to the Warsaw Armory and as the group continued to grow made another move to the City County Athletic Complex.

In the Fall of 2022, the Phanatics began to play at the Gordon Recreational Center on the campus of Grace College. Local Pickleball has exploded with 50-60 people playing on almost a daily basis at both Warsaw’s Kelly and Winona Lake’s Limitless Park.

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

The tournament will be Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10, rain or shine.

Saturday’s tournament will be women and me doubles starting at 8 a.m.

Sunday will be mixed doubles play. Start time is noon.

NOTE – Specific skill level times will be announced after registration.

Registration closes Sept. 1. The cost is $30 per person with a $10 cost for the second event. Checks should be made payable to Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce

Tournament formate will be a Round Robin Play and open to any age. The level of play is: 2.5 Beginners, 3.0 Intermediate, 3.5 High Intermediate to Advanced, 4.0 Advanced and higher

For more information, contact Tournament Director Dave Thieme, at (941) 441-6708 or by email: [email protected].

Pickleball paddle holder.