A pickleball event called the “Battle of the Paddles Pickleball Tournament,” organised at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US, raised $11,493.88 and brought together business leaders, healthcare professionals, advocates, and local community members through competitive play, fundraising activities, and shared advocacy for recovery-focused care.
The tournament, organised by South Florida Wellness Network’s (SFWN) 2026 edition, drew 75 players. The event was designed to blend sport and social engagement with a larger purpose – supporting mental health, wellness, and recovery initiatives across South Florida.
Held in a lively yet purpose-driven atmosphere, the tournament transformed The Fort into a hub of energy, conversation, and community connection.
Participants engaged in competitive pickleball matches, while also taking part in raffles and interactive activities that contributed to the fundraising total. The event was structured not just as a sporting competition, but as a community gathering aimed at reinforcing the importance of mental health awareness and collective support systems.
SFWN’s leadership used the occasion to reinforce the organisation’s mission and its continued commitment to recovery-oriented services. Susan Nyamora, President & CEO of South Florida Wellness Network, addressed attendees, emphasising the organisation’s ongoing work in building supportive pathways for individuals and families navigating mental health and substance use challenges. During the programme, Board Chair Nancy Merolla was also recognised for her leadership and sustained dedication to the organisation’s vision.
Adding civic weight to the event, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis spoke to attendees, acknowledging the essential role SFWN plays in strengthening the region’s mental health and recovery infrastructure. His remarks underscored the importance of partnerships between community organisations, local government, and residents in addressing behavioural health challenges.
The programme was hosted by emcee Kayla Stone, who maintained a vibrant and engaging flow throughout the day, ensuring that the tournament balanced its competitive spirit with its deeper mission of awareness and inclusion. Her presence helped sustain momentum across matches, announcements, and fundraising moments, contributing to the overall positive energy of the event.
Beyond the scores and fundraising total, the “Battle of the Paddles” stood out for its atmosphere of connection. Conversations between matches, laughter around the courts, and shared moments of encouragement reflected the event’s underlying purpose-building a stronger, more compassionate community. For many participants, the tournament was not only about sport but also about standing together in support of mental wellness and recovery.
South Florida Wellness Network, a peer-driven organisation rooted in lived experience, continues to operate as a recovery-focused support system for young adults, adults, and family peers. The organisation brings together individuals who have personally faced challenges related to behavioural health, trauma, emotional wellbeing, or substance use, using those experiences to guide and support others on their recovery journeys.
Through initiatives like the Battle of the Paddles, SFWN continues to demonstrate how community engagement and purposeful events can translate into both meaningful fundraising and lasting human connection.