Dink. Drop. Lob. If these terms make sense, then you’ve likely already been exposed to pickleball, a sport born in the mid-60s that has exploded in popularity. A hybrid of badminton, tennis and table tennis, pickleball is easy to learn and fun to play.
Pirates and pickleball?
But…do pirates play pickleball? They do now.
The Westchase Krewe of Freebooters—a Gasparilla Krewe based right here in Westchase—was looking to hold a fun event that would bring together members of the community and raise funds for a local charity.
“We have held a very successful charity golf tournament each fall for many years,” said Krewe Captain Dean Landsman. “This year, we wanted to try something a little different.”
Thus, the inaugural Freebooters Charity Pickleball Tournament was born. It will be held on Saturday, October 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Tampa Bay Pickleball in the Oldsmar Flea Market. Registration is $75 per player, and all levels are welcome. The entry fee includes a tournament t-shirt, paddles (or bring your own), food (provided by McDivot’s Sports Bar and Restaurant), and—they’re pirates, after all—beer (courtesy of Yesner Law). Best of all, entry guarantees a great time for a good cause.
Mateys with a mission
The Freebooters like to have fun—and there’s nothing quite like being in the middle of the madness during the Gasparilla parade. However, the group’s mission is also to provide a charitable platform for the benefit of the community that we call home. Its members volunteer at events like the Great West Chase (look for us at the beer tent!), and it donates to local organizations including the Westchase Charitable Foundation and Operation Helping Hand.
For the pickleball tournament, the Freebooters decided they wanted to help furry members of the family, so proceeds will benefit the Tampa nonprofit St. Francis Society Animal Rescue, which saves thousands of cats and dogs in our community every year. Learn more about them, or find a new friend, at www.stfrancisrescue.org.
Krewe recruiting
Thinking you might want to play pirate? You’re in luck. The Freebooters are still accepting membership applications for the upcoming season. Visit www.westchasekrewe.com or email westchasekrewe@gmail.com to learn more.
Freebooters Charity Pickleball Tournament
Date: Saturday, Oct. 19
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: Tampa Bay Pickleball
Cost: $75
Register now, here!
