NORWICH — 40 animal-loving pickleball players came together on September 19 at Weiler Park in Norwich for a day of competition, camaraderie and giving back at the “Pickleball for a Cause” tournament.

Players traveled from Chenango, Otsego, Cortland, and Broome counties to participate in the event, which combined a love of pickleball with a shared passion for helping animals in need.

The generosity of the players and community was on full display. Two wagons were filled with donated animal supplies, and the tournament raised an impressive $1,100. The proceeds were split between the Chenango County SPCA and Super Heroes Humane Society in Oneonta.

The women’s championship featured an exciting matchup between Mindy McCormick and Elaine O’Mara Hulbert and Kelly Goff and Debbie Merrell. The teams were evenly matched in skill, making for a competitive and entertaining championship game. McCormick and O’Mara Hulbert came away with the victory to claim the women’s title.

The men’s championship showcased an exceptional level of play, with Matt Reppert and Daya Muppalla facing Dio Santos and Roberto Calzolari. All four players demonstrated outstanding skill and provided spectators with an exciting championship match. Santos and Calzolari captured the victory and the men’s championship.

While there were champions on the pickleball courts, the biggest winners of the day were the animals who will benefit from the generosity of everyone who participated and donated.

The success of the inaugural “Pickleball for a Cause” tournament showed what can happen when a community comes together for a shared purpose. Organizers are already looking forward to making the tournament an annual event and continuing to bring pickleball players together to support animals in need.