Pink-Out Pickleball Tournament Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Research | Event Recap by The Wright State Guardian
Pink-Out Pickleball: A Fun and Meaningful Event for a Great Cause
On October 2, Wright State University hosted its first-ever Pink Out Pickleball event in support of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement. Organized by the Counseling and Wellness Service in collaboration with Campus Recreation, the event aimed to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research while providing a fun and engaging activity for the community.
The event, which featured hourly tournaments, attracted a diverse group of participants who were eager to support the cause. Katie Meyer, a graduate student in public health and a graduate assistant at CWS, played a key role in organizing the event and was thrilled to see the community come together to support the cause.
“We are looking to do a couple of things with this event. One is to build our team for the Making Strides event,” Meyer explained. “We’re looking to raise some money for breast cancer that we can contribute to the American Cancer Society, and then we’re just looking to kind of build momentum for the walk for years to come.”
Participants, including Wright State students Braden Grant and Ayden Davis, enjoyed the friendly competition and camaraderie that the event offered. Grant and Davis, both basketball players for WSU, were excited to support the cause and have fun while doing so.
“It was fun,” Davis exclaimed. “[I’ve] always loved supporting the battle against cancer. So that was a plus, too.”
“It definitely made the twenty bucks easy to pay, and the donations as well,” said Grant.
The event also featured other activities such as cornhole, food trucks, and a “skill builder” section where participants could practice their pickleball skills. Evelyn Oktavec, the graduate assistant for Campus Recreation, emphasized the inclusive nature of the event, encouraging participants of all skill levels to join in on the fun.
“We always tell people, if you don’t know, that’s okay. Come out, try something new! We always are willing to teach you beforehand. Or kind of explain the rules,” Oktavec said. “Most of the time with these types of events, everyone that kind of participates, even if it’s your opponent, they are more helpful than trying to beat you.”
Overall, Wright State University’s Pink Out Pickleball event was a resounding success, exceeding expectations in terms of participation and fundraising. The event not only raised awareness for breast cancer research but also brought the community together for a fun and meaningful cause. As the event continues to grow in the coming years, it is sure to make an even greater impact in the fight against breast cancer.