Submitted by Jeanne McPherson, Orcas Island Rotary

Orcas Rotary’s third annual pickleball tournament became an international event with players from Canada joining Orcas and San Juan Island pickleball advocates. Two local nonprofits will split the proceeds: Orcas Family Resource Center’s Fresh Bucks program and the Sail Orcas scholarship program. The matches took place at Buck Park on Saturday, July 27.

Men’s doubles winners Greg Stafford and Daniel Marty held the Orcas Island title over their San Juan Island opponents. Women’s doubles Diana Stepita and Po Powell claimed the honor for Friday Harbor. Maggie Kulyk and Elliot Claus of Orcas won mixed doubles, group one (Roy Patton is in the above picture, a match sub). Jennifer Corbin and Nick Kiniski of Orcas won mixed doubles, group two. Winners received jars of pickles as a reward!

Tournament chair Linda Hamilton captured the feeling of many: “It’s exciting that pickleball is such a growing sport on the islands, and we were delighted to have players from as far away as Richland!”

Registrar Natalie Menacho assigned the 52 players and court coordinator Nik Schultz often played court juggler to keep the 36 teams in matches. Learner Limbach took the event online, developing a website for registration and sponsorships.

Sponsors for the event were Frank Fagan (San Juan Island), Islanders Bank, Linda Hamilton, Bob and Jeanne McPherson, Orcas Food Co-op, Rainshadow Solar, Ray’s Pharmacy and Roche Harbor Resort.

“We again thank Orcas Parks and Recreation for their assistance and the beautiful area for our games,” Hamilton said. “Special thanks goes to Orcas Rotary and Orcas Pickleball for their participation.”