KAILUA-KONA — Ready, set, serve!
Breast Cancer Hawaii is keeping breast cancer awareness in play beyond October with its 2nd Annual Dink in Pink Pickleball Tournament, which will run from Saturday, Nov. 9, through Sunday, Nov. 10.
Players of all skill levels are invited to come together on the courts to play multiple rounds of pickleball, connect with breast cancer survivors, and raise funds for Breast Cancer Hawaii.
The tournament will be hosted by Holua Racquet &Paddle in Holualoa.
To participate in the tournament, people can purchase tickets by visiting http://bit.ly/dinkinpink and clicking “Register for the tournament.”
“The funds we raise will help us in expanding our reach and initiatives to provide the resources and support every local breast cancer survivor needs throughout their journey,” Joanne Hayashi, Breast Cancer Hawaii co-founder and president, said in a press release. “With the money raised last year, we’ve been able to hold more events on Hawaii Island, including the survivorship retreat we held this past summer. We are grateful to continue our mission with the support of our community.”
At the two-day tournament, each team will battle it out in brackets until the ultimate winner prevails — an experience filled with energy, laughter and socializing among new and old friends.
Teams can choose to register for the men’s, women’s or mixed event, along with the division they would like to compete in: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5-plus.
Winners in each division will be awarded commemorative trophy cups to acknowledge their achievement and support of Breast Cancer Hawaii.
The event also includes a virtual participation option where participants can receive swag, participate in Breast Cancer Hawaii’s online silent auction, and help the organization raise additional funds for the opportunity to win prizes.
The silent auction is 100% locally sponsored, with dozens of small businesses from Hawaii Island and Oahu supporting the cause.
“Breast cancer impacts many of those in our local community. Several of the regular players here at Holua Racquet &Paddle are breast cancer survivors themselves. We are happy to support a local organization, where the funds will stay right here in Hawaii to support our local survivors,” Richard Kahalioumi, director of Holua Racquet &Paddle, said in the press release.
After the tournament on Nov. 9, players will have the opportunity to continue the festivities at Breast Cancer Hawaii’s survivor dinner.
On Nov. 10, the tournament will feature a Hope Market, featuring local crafters and food vendors — including businesses such as Kapua’s Snack Box, Lakuna Links, Nanea Designs, O ke Kai Creations, and Sugarworks Candy Co.
The Hope Market will be open to tournament participants and the general public, with all proceeds going towards Breast Cancer Hawaii.
Holua Racquet &Paddle is located in Kailua-Kona and is Hawaii’s largest outdoor tennis and pickleball facility.