by Joe James

What’s the Story?

The inaugural FUNDERBALL pickleball fundraiser in Niagara Falls is a unique event designed to raise money for marathon runner Michael Seliske’s London Marathon bid and to support the Shaftesbury Group, a UK-based charity that aims to enable people with disabilities to thrive.

Seliske is a Niagara-born marathon runner, whose charity fundraiser has attracted attention from several individuals who are committed to helping people with physical and intellectual disabilities. He has already participated in 11 marathons since 2016, including Boston, Athens and New York as he plans to compete in the Tokyo Marathon in March before London in April.

Organisers have planned a series of playful and unusual competitions to engage participants of all skill levels, including complete beginners.
The event aims to blend the love of pickleball with a charitable cause, creating a fun and inclusive environment for the community.

Karen Seliske, co-organiser of the event, told Niagara-on-the-Lake Local: “We have attracted people from all levels of skill experience from complete pickleball beginners to highly competitive 4.0 players.

“The interest has been overwhelmingly positive from a broad group of player ability and geographic areas.”

The Recap

FUNDERBALL is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, from 1-4pm at the Tennis Clubs of Canada’s “Bubble”, which is a giant white dome that covers tennis courts in John Allen Park in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Participants can expect to engage in a variety of skill-based games, including dinking-only matches, serve-to-the-hoop challenges and pickleball trivia.

There will be unusual competitions, such as reverse-score games where the points are lost if the ball hits the net, and rotating partner games. Beyond the on-court action, there’s a prize for the best pickleball attire or costume, adding a fun and creative element to the event.

There will also be a social gathering that follows the event at the Blackburn Brew House where participants and event organisers can meet up.

An early bird incentive was offered to encourage timely registration as those who signed up by January 31 recieved 25 chances to win raffle prizes, such as a five-week Nike Pickleball Sports Camp, a pickleball net, a Selkirk paddle, pickleballs, court time and safety glasses.

People who had registered after the closing date are still able to purchase tickets for the tournament at $50 each, with all the proceeds going to Shaftesbury Group.

The event has garnered significant attention and positive feedback across various platforms, with social media posts generating international interest from pickleball groups.

Marilyn Abbs, a Para Athlete, is among the participants, highlighting the inclusive nature of the event and its commitment to supporting people with disabilities.

Abbs explained that given over 15% of the world’s population identifies as disabled and this is something that can happen to people at any time, she had to get involved with the fundraiser, also in no small part to her love for pickleball.

Community Connect, a non-profit organisation that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities to become engaged in their community, will also be sending a group of players and volunteers as the organisation already offers pickleball as an activity.

According to co-organiser of FUNDERBALL, Karen Seliske, the event has received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from all areas and all skill levels.

Michael Seliske will continue to build on his amazing marathon trail, adding Tokyo and London to his CV in 2025.

The PKLBull Verdict

FUNDERBALL is poised to be much more than just a fundraiser for a spectacular cause like Shaftesbury Group, it is an example of how a community can really rally around a positive change whilst celebrating their love of sport, in this case, pickleball.

The organisers have gone to great lengths to ensure the event is accessible and entertaining for all. By incorporating playful games, unusual challenges, and a focus on inclusivity, FUNDERBALL is set to provide a memorable experience for its participants.

The event’s anticipated success will not only contribute to Michael Seliske’s marathon journey and the Shaftesbury Group’s mission but will also likely boost community spirit and the profile of pickleball in the Niagara region.

With limited tickets available and strong local interest, the event promises to be a resounding success.