The BC Dementia Care Society (BCDCS) is hosting its inaugural Forget-Me-Not charity pickleball tournament in Langford on Oct. 19 and 20.
The fun, but competitive event will feature athletes aged between 19 to 79, from across Canada and internationally, with some coming from as far as Ecuador, Florida and New York.
Organizers say attendees should also watch out for “one or more” Canadian professional pickleball players.
The charity event is aiming to raise funds to support the creation and implementation of dementia-friendly, socially-inclusive communities on Vancouver Island, such as Memory Cafes, a service they hope to bring to the West Shore.
Memory Cafe communities are for people living with dementia and their care partners to participate in engaging activities in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, encouraging the formation of relationships with others going through a dementia journey.
The charity says it has chosen to host a pickleball tournament because of its health benefits and its suitability for people of all ages.
"It is a fun way to stay active and fit as we age and to enjoy a social activity at any level from recreational to competitive," said the charity in a news release.
"According to Amen Clinics (2022), pickleball boosts your mental, emotional and cognitive health," the news release continues, which lists benefits for the brain including improving blood flow, enhancing cognitive flexibility and improving memory.
"[Pickleball] protects against cognitive decline and dementia and keeps the brain younger," they add.
The tournament will be held at the Victoria Pickleball Centre in Langford, on Oct. 19 and 20 from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 6 p.m. The event will be supported by over 50 volunteers.
"Say hello, enter to win some prizes, enjoy a beverage, and soak up some great pickleball in a great facility," said the charity.
For more information about BC Dementia Care Society programs and services visit the website: bcdementiacare.org.
