Waveny Mixed Paddle tournament Country Club flight winners Kelly Voight and Frank Ennis (left) with runners up Nicky Fritz and Ron Balzano (right).
New Canaan, CT - Following the success of the past four years’ events, Waveny Care Network recently held its fifth annual mixed-paddle tournament fundraiser. Doubling in size since the event’s inception, this year’s event featured 32 teams with 64 players playing at four site locations. All monies were raised in support of Waveny’s not-for-profit network of residences, programs and services.
“We are so pleased to attract the best local recreational players in addition to top ranked APTA professionals to ‘Paddle for a Purpose,’” said Sharon Stevenson, Waveny Board Member and Event Chair. “Each year it is our hope to grow the number of players and venues as well as continue to provide one of the best mixed events with great competition for a worthy cause.”
“Our event is notably generating an increase in awareness, enthusiasm, and support for Waveny and is already on the players’ calendars for next year” said Joanne Boyer, Waveny’s Director of Development. “The event’s continued momentum and success is due in large part to the participation of the local clubs and paddle pros as well as the player participants, wonderful sponsors and volunteers, who all helped to make sure the evening was enjoyable for everyone involved.”
The tournament was held concurrently at four event sites: the Country Club of New Canaan, Wee Burn Country Club of Darien, The Lake Club and Waveny Park. Event finals were held at the Country Club of New Canaan and featured an after-party celebration inside the club’s paddle hut.
Event sponsors included ONS (Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists), Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center, Center Court of New Canaan, Karl Chevrolet, Walter Stewart’s Market, and Stewart’s Spirits. New to this year’s event sponsors was Prince Global Sports/Viking, which provided players with paddle balls, water bottles and other give-aways.
Winners from all site locations include George Wilkinson and Susan Lovejoy with runners up Sebastian Bredberg and Molly Brown; Frank Ennis and Kelly Voight with runners up Ron Balzano and Nicky Fritz; winners Gitte and Christian Toft-Nielsen with runners up Mary Truslow and Peter Traeger; and winners Mary Ellen O’Mahoney and Gaynor Brennan with runners up Karen and Peter Newman.
Plans for next year’s sixth annual event are already being discussed. Waveny encourages all paddle players with an interest in giving back to the community to join its event planning committee. For more information, contact Joanne Boyer at 203.594.5416 or JBoyer@waveny.org.
Waveny Care Network provides a comprehensive continuum of care – now including skilled Home Healthcare – to serve the growing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a not-for-profit organization that offers independent living at New Canaan Inn, assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s and memory loss at The Village, and skilled nursing at Waveny Care Center. It also includes the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, a Geriatric Care Management team that provides 24-hour coverage, an Adult Day Program that offers flexible hours and transportation six days a week, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services, and respite programs at both The Village and Care Center. For information call (203) 594-5200 or visit www.waveny.org.
