The Tellico Village Pickleball Club (TVPBC) is currently gearing up for its Spring Tournament and largest benefit event of the year, a weekend-long circuit during the first weekend of May.

Reportedly, the club is bar none the most popular within the Village. According to its president, Gary Sawicki, they net about 1,000 members in any given year. He says that “clout,” as he calls it, gives them the ability to have a strong pull not just within their neighborhood, but throughout the larger community.

“We want to do as much as we can and continue to support the community,” said Jason Fein, the club’s vice president. “So long as our members want to continue supporting these events.”


SMOKY MOUNTAIN SERVICE DOGS

This year, they’re partnering with Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, a group that provides wounded veterans and first responders with service animals for mobility assistance … at no charge to the owner.

Almost all of the proceeds garnered over this weekend will go in the pockets of this organization. With a vast number of Tellico Village residents, the partnership felt like an easy fit.

Fein said the group began by networking with the already dense pool of veterans within the TVPBC before branching out within Loudon, Monroe and Knox counties to spread awareness.

While non-members are allowed to enter in competition, the club does ask that the participation is kept among veterans. That being said, friends and family are invited to come spectate, grab some food and cheer on their players.

While bragging rights will be up for grabs and a competitive spirit will linger through the air from May 2 to May 5, Fein said that the main mission is to bring people together for a good cause. And not just for one weekend, either. Their philosophy is one that exists on pickleball courts throughout the country, but is especially pertinent to the way the TVPBC conducts business.

RAISING AWARENESS WITH A COMPETITIVE SPIRIT

“Our club is a social club that happens to have a competitive aspect,” Fein said.

“Unlike other clubs where competition is the main driving force, and then there’s some social activities, we tend to be the opposite. We’re a little bit older, we kid around a lot more than we are competitive, (and) we really take advantage of the social part of this as much as we can.”

Their flagship event mirrors that sentiment. The four-day event kicks off on Friday, May 2, with a veterans event, where courts will be dedicated for both competitive play as well as instructional time for beginners.

Over the weekend on May 3 and 4, the courts will be packed with players for their tournament circuit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. All tournament play will be teams of two or “doubles.”

The last day of the event, conveniently placed on Cinco De Mayo, will be a fiesta party at the Yacht Club of Tellico Village starting at 6 p.m. Food, beverages, live music as well as a live and silent auction with Missy Houston of Legacy Real Estate will be all the buzz on the riverfront.

While the furry friends these players are raising money for don’t have the thumbs to pick up a paddle themselves, the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs will be in attendance at the event all weekend.

Sawicki said a puppy parade or a showcase of the canines could be in the mix for potential attractions. While donations are of extreme importance to groups like this, there’s one thing money can’t buy: Awareness.

“It is about raising funds for our partner,” Sawicki said. “It’s also about raising an awareness of who they are, what they do and why they do it.

“So that’s a part of why we do this as well.”

Last year, the group partnered with the Special Olympics, teaching those young athletes about the sport of pickleball and even presenting them with their own paddles at the end of the week.

Sawicki said the event was a rousing success, and expects a similar reception for the event and their partner this year.

The TVPBC also has plans to partner with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office Benevolent Fund for an event on June 14, as well as a toy drive closer to the holiday season.

Information and registration for the Spring benefit tournament can be found at https://tvpbc-gameon.org/tournament2025/.