Inaugural Pickleball Tournament Will Raise Funds For Batavia Groups

BATAVIA, IL — Pickleballers are uniting to participate in the inaugural Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser Aug. 12 as a way to raise funds for the Batavia Parks Foundation and Batavia Peace Day.

Recreational pickleball players who are 21 and older signed up for the "Big Dill" tournament that guarantees two-player teams at each level at least six games. Participants will also receive one ticket to the post-play social.

Registration for the Batavia Parks Foundation-organized event has filled up. Space was limited to 24 people, or 12 teams of two.

"We are looking for pickleball enthusiast adults ages 21 and older to join us for a morning filled with friendly competition and community fun to benefit the Batavia Parks Foundation and Batavia Peace Day," Laura Basil, Parks Foundation board member and event coordinator, said in a statement. "The winning team receives a one-of-a-kind, Big Dill pickleball art trophy and the first title of 'Big Dill 2023.'"

Batavia Peace Day, first celebrated in 2022, is the city's spin on the International Day of Peace. Batavia's inaugural event in September also served as a fundraiser to help raise the money necessary to permanently construct the "Peace on Earth" sign in downtown Batavia.

The pickleball fundraiser will kick off at 8:30 a.m. at the Batavia Civic Center, 327 W. Wilson St. In addition to the ticket to the social, the entry fee of $40 includes a swag bag with giveaways, coupons and items from event sponsors.