The following was submitted by Orcas Rotary.

Orcas Rotary’s first annual pickleball tournament, held at Buck Park on Saturday, July 15, delighted many in our 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.

The 55 matches on 4 courts engaged 37 participants, including 8 players from Friday Harbor and 2 from Richland. Rotary tournament chair Linda Hamilton commented, “We are thrilled at the success of our first tournament and plan to expand the event next year.” Committee vice-chair Kathy Kantrud agreed, adding, “The whole day had such great energy, and fun was had by all!“

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 and Ice, chairs, moral support, and most important—participation!”