Close to $17K raised for mental health at Penticton pickleball tournament
Published 4:42 pm Tuesday, September 22, 2026
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A recent Penticton pickleball tournament was a smashing success.
The Skaha Hills Pickleball for Mental Health, held in Penticton earlier this month, raised $16,700 for the Canadian Mental Health Association.
A total of 180 players of all ages and skill levels from across the region participated in the tournament.
“Proceeds from the tournament will directly support vital mental health programs and services in the community, including suicide prevention, anger management classes, mental health first aid, Unity Clubhouse, mental health advocacy and a meals programs for individuals living with mental illness in Penticton,” the Canadian Mental Health Association South Okanagan Similkameen said in a release.
The non-profit thanked The Brine Pickleball, Lee Abel and Mitch Hammer for being partners in the event, along with its sponsors (Skaha Hills, The Brine, Nature’s Fares Grocers, Sandman Hotel Group, Penticton Pickleball Club and the City of Penticton).
“Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier community — one serve at a time,” the Canadian Mental Health Association South Okanagan Similkameen added.
Locals who medaled in the finals are listed below. Numbers next to the gender category refer to skill level rank.
Men’s doubles 3.5- 3.99 any age
• Bronze, Randy Smith and Jamie Denton
Men’s 4.0 and above any age
• Silver, Jan Novak and Jim Kocsis
Mixed doubles 3.5 any age
• Gold, Karen Cheung and Jamie Denton
• Silver, Lindsey Denton and Craig Denton
Mixed doubles 3.5 (59 and under)
• Gold, Susan Labonte and Jacob Burnside
Mixed doubles 3.5 (60 Plus)
• Silver, Mary Wu and Curtis Hamilton
Mixed doubles 4.0 and above 55 plus
• Gold, Anita Marshal and Bill Pacheco
Women’s Doubles 3.49 and under (55 and above)
• Gold, Cheryl Wynia and Jocelyne Lalonde
• Bronze. Mary Wu and Laura Keebaugh
Women’s Doubles 3.49 and under (any age)
• Gold, Karen Cheung And Teresa Dingil
• Bronze, Ede Sartori and Caitlyn Bennett
Women’s Doubles 3.5 (64 and under)
• Gold, Jennifer Beirnes and Leigh Nicholson
• Bronze, Jan Morris and Lindsey Denton
Women’s Doubles 4.0 any age
• Silver, Anita Marshall and Karen Jones