Pickleball tournament serves up support for shelter pets

ZANESVILLE, OH- Dozens of local athletes served up support for shelter pets at the second annual Pickleball 4 Paws tournament, held Saturday at Riverside Park in Zanesville.

The event featured men’s, women’s, and co-ed divisions with round robin play. Teams paid a $100 entry fee, with all proceeds benefiting the Animal Shelter Society. Event director Adam Agin said the fundraiser is crucial for keeping the shelter running.

“The animal shelter is a non-profit and so events like these are what’s needed in donations to keep the animal shelter rolling, so April she is the Executive Director, and she reached out to me and said, ‘hey heard you’re big in pickleball, could you maybe run this event?’ and I said absolutely,” said Agin.

Beyond playing the sport, Agin encouraged people to get involved in other ways.

“First of all, pickleball, it’s a fun game, get out there, try it, and the animal shelter, the animal shelter isn’t you just go down and adopt a dog, go down to the shelter, there’s a lot of things that go on there that people don’t really understand, donate your time if you have that, if you have money maybe donate that, or they’re always in need of supplies, go down there and help out as much as you can, it’s for a great cause, and anything that everyone does we appreciate,” said Agin.

Organizers say they plan to continue the event next year. Anyone interested in playing, whether a seasoned competitor or beginner is welcome to join.