Akron Children’s Hospital is getting on board with one of the hottest games in the country — but it’s not just child’s play.
Akron Children’s has secured the spot as the new presenting partner for this year’s Pickle in the Land pickleball tournament in Cleveland.
The tournament will run from Thursday, Dec.11 through Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Huntington Convention Center.
“We saw a huge opportunity in Cleveland to provide access to others throughout Northeast Ohio,” said Roderick Ingram, vice president of marketing and communications for Akron Children’s. “You hear this all the time that the majority of health outcomes are determined by non-clinical things, which include humanities, sports and family time. It was a no-brainer for us to partner with someone who’s fully engaged in the community,”
Akron Children’s will have a booth onsite for participants to learn more about the hospital and its work throughout NEO.
“We want to show them who we are,” Ingram said.
Pickle in the Land bills itself as the largest tournament of its kind in the Midwest, with participation increasing by 25% since the first tournament in 2023 and over 20 states represented. Organizers are hoping to attract about 800 participants this year.
Pickleball is an increasingly popular paddle sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
This year’s tournament had an extra day included to introduce the inaugural Pickle in the Land Club Cup.
The event also will feature free autograph signings with Cleveland Cavaliers legends from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14, as well as a reimagined Vendor Village designed to foster connection and excitement.
How will Akron’s Children Hospital benefit from being partners?
Akron Children’s Foundation will receive a $5 donation from every registration.
The foundation works to support the pediatric hospital’s health care services, medical research and education.
Additionally, Akron Children’s will serve as the presenting partner of the tournament’s holiday Gift Drive, offering exclusive ticket promotions for Cleveland Monsters and Cleveland Charge games, and the Get-Well Card Activation, delivering smiles to patients throughout the holiday season.
“This is just a great platform for us to shine a light on things that really matter to both organizations in terms of our value,” said Bill Fagan, president of Business Operations for Rock Entertainment Group, Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Arena.
Registration for the tournament is open now through Dec. 4. The competition is open to players of all ages and abilities.
Details on registration, tickets and additional information are available at PickleInTheLand.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Children’s joins with Pickle in the Land pickleball tournament
Reporting by Alisson Toro-Lagos, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
