Press Release
The first annual Pickle with Purpose pickleball tournament will be played at Lake Monticello Oct. 18, with proceeds to benefit the community service projects of the Lake Monticello Community Foundation.
The tournament will be divided into two skill levels, up to skill level 3.25 (average pickleball players) playing beginning at 10 a.m., and 3.5-4.25 level (higher level players) beginning at 2 p.m. Medals and prizes will be awarded for each skill level.
All the play will be on the newly-surfaced pickleball courts at Lake Monticello’s Ashlawn Clubhouse. Eight courts are available for each skill level group of 32.
All participants will receive performance t-shirts and swag bags, and there will be raffle prizes and food and drink available throughout the day, organizers said.
Tournament spots are limited at each level. Players can sign up and pay their $35 entrance fee at www.lakemonticellocommunityfoundation.org/projects-events.
Pickleball is considered the fastest-growing sport in America. The sport had an estimated 19.8 million players in the U.S. in 2024, up 45.8 percent over the previous year and 311 percent growth in three years, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).
The sport has rapidly grown in popularity at Lake Monticello as well. There are often 40 or more pickleball players playing at the same time at the Lake Monticello courts. Players enjoy the camaraderie as well as the improved physical fitness it provides, they say.
