Pickleball tournament raises funds for Markham Stouffville Hospital

More than 70 participants took to the courts for an afternoon of friendly competition, coming together to support the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation (MSHF) through a charity pickleball tournament.

Hosted by Bayshore HealthCare’s Integrated Care Solutions (ICS) division in partnership with the Markham Pickleball Club (MPC), the event was held on January 31 at the Cornell Community Centre. The $4,700 in tournament proceeds will go toward essential mobility equipment at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti, MPC President Doris Tardibuono and MSHF Vice-President Allan Bell were on hand to thank players and volunteers for their support.

Scarpitti highlighted both the growing popularity of the sport and the importance of community-led fundraising for local healthcare.

“This is a great way to have fun and raise funds for the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. Events like these showcase the incredible spirit of our community—coming together through sport to support vital healthcare services that serve our residents. Great opportunity to get players engaged in the sport, which is growing every day. It’s a very popular sport. It keeps people active, and it’s a sport for all ages. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to connect, a competitive, but I’ll say, very social game,” Scarpitti said. “And, obviously, we’re saying, big thank you to Bayshore for (hosting) this tournament, raising money for Markham Stouffville Hospital. The hospital serves the healthcare needs of 80 per cent of the community. And so, a lot of people, at one point in their lives, end up using some service at Markham Stouffville Hospital, a great hospital, thanks to the doctors, nurses, all of the staff.”

Tardibuono said she was proud of the strong turnout and commitment shown by club members.

“It is an honour for the Markham Pickleball Club to partner with Bayshore in organizing and participating in the charity pickleball tournament in support of the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation,” said Tardibuono. “Special thanks go to our incredible MPC members—once again, they have stepped up with enthusiasm and generosity. Many registered to play, while others volunteered their time. This spirit of community and giving truly reflects the heart of our club.”

Photo (L-R): Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Doris Tardibuono (Markham Pickleball Club) and Ashray Sikka (Bayshore) at the Bayshore January 31 pickleball tournament, which raised $4,700 for Markham Stouffville Hospital.