Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Blue Ridge Foundation Hosts Inaugural Pickleball Tournament to Support Youth Mentorship
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Blue Ridge Foundation recently hosted its first annual pickleball tournament to raise funds and support for their mentoring programs. The event showcased the impact of mentorship through the story of Jayson Miranda and his mentor, Marc Paulo Guzman.
Miranda shared, “We’re different people, but he helped me grow into the person I am now.” Guzman added, “As a ‘Big’, I have learned so much from Jayson. We are very different but also have a lot in common. It’s really cool to learn from him.”
The Big Brother Big Sister Foundation focuses on creating one-on-one mentoring relationships that empower young people. According to Sarah Althoff, BBBS Director of Philanthropy, these relationships help children self-regulate, access resources, and improve their dynamics with family, friends, and school.
Molly Jackson, BBBS Executive Director, highlighted that the mentorship program goes beyond just friendship, leading to improved academic performance and positive experiences for the children involved. With 150 children currently waiting for mentors, the pickleball tournament aimed to rally community support and raise funds for the nonprofit.
“Pickleball is such a popular sport, and it’s really been growing in popularity, so we were excited to tap into that community,” said Jackson. The event emphasized that by coming together on the court, participants were not just playing a game but also changing lives and shaping brighter futures for local youth.
The success of the tournament showcased the power of mentorship and community support in making a positive impact on the lives of young people.
