Pickleball BC (“PBC”) Director Suzi Inkman and Pickleball Cohorts Step Up For New Agassiz Centre Fundraiser

Elated picklers on tournament day raising funds for their new Aquatic Centre.
​Suzi Inkman PBC Director pictured front left in turquoise top.

​February 24, 2025, Vancouver, B.C.—On January 25, 2025 in Agassiz, B.C., PBC’s Board Director and Treasurer Suzi Inkman saw the culmination of her charity work come to fruition as thirty-two pickleball players—from Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz, Hope, and Chilliwack—played in a Pickleball Scramble Tournament that raised $2,150 towards the new Lets'emot Aquatic Centre.

About Lets'emot Aquatic Centre
Originally built in 1978, Agassiz’s existing Ferny Coombe Pool is past its initial life expectancy, and any future major structural work could be beyond repair, according to the Kent Municipality. Also, this pool is utilized by thousands of residents, such as those in the District of Kent, neighbouring First Nation communities, and Village of Harrison Hot Springs.

The new “Lets’emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre” began construction on June 17, 2024, and could open as soon as 2026.

Further, as the municipality outlined …
“The benefits of a Regional Aquatic Centre Include:

• More local programs reduces the need to travel to large municipalities and supports our region’s economy.
• Inclusive year round social and physical programs enables all residents to participate equally and equitably. Including but not limited to swim lessons, Aquafit, lane swimming, leisure swims, birthday parties, community events, therapeutic and rehabilitative services. …”

More information about this community project can be found here.

The Charity Pickleball Scramble Tournament
"The pickleball community here is a kind and generous group, and it was great to see their support of the new pool. By the end of the tournament we had a jar full of cash.”, said PBC Tournament Organizer Suzi Inkman.

The tournament was played on gym courts next door to the construction site that will eventually house the pool. Also, the scramble-style event saw young players and more “experienced” athletes compete in mixed doubles in a round-robin format, where players change teammates every match.

Suzi adds: “Further, the effort of volunteers were significant and highly appreciated, where they ran the tournament, donated prizes, and even baked snacks to raise funds for the new regional facility.”

If you are interested in organizing a charity pickleball tournament for your community and have any questions regarding additional details, please contact:

Suzi Inkman, PBC Treasurer
[email protected]