FCAR's inaugural pickleball tournament serves up competition, camaraderie and advocacy

Palm Coast event brings together 40 players while raising money to support Realtor advocacy efforts

  • Palm Coast Observer
  • News
  • Share

The sound of paddles striking pickleballs echoed throughout the Southern Recreation Center on Thursday evening as the Flagler County Association of Realtors hosted its first-ever Pickleball Tournament, combining friendly competition with a fundraiser supporting Realtor advocacy efforts.

Twenty two-person teams, representing real estate companies and industry partners from across Flagler County, competed in the inaugural event, which also featured a trade show, online auction, food and drinks. While only one team could claim the championship, organizers said the tournament's larger goal was bringing members together while supporting the Realtor Political Action Committee, commonly known as RPAC. 

"This is Flagler County Association of Realtors' first PAC pickleball tournament," said Eddie Lang, the association's vice president and public policy chair. "We wanted to try something different, and it turned out great. We have members that I haven't seen in a while, so it's actually great. We're really bringing people in."

Lang said the event served a purpose beyond recreation.

"We don't just sell houses," he said. "We advocate for buyers, sellers and renters. We advocate for everybody. We fight for homeownership rights, private property rights and insurance rates. This is what we raise money for — to help make sure homeownership is attainable and affordable for all." 

The tournament drew 40 players competing in a single division, regardless of age, gender or experience level. While some participants regularly compete in pickleball tournaments and others were making their tournament debut, Lang said the emphasis remained on having fun.

"There was no pro division, no male or female divisions," he said. "It was all just for fun. We have some serious pickleball players here today, and some are amateurs, but everybody's having a great time." 

Although the winning team earned only a commemorative plaque, Lang said the bragging rights carried plenty of value.

"It's honor," he said. "You can say you won our first annual pickleball tournament, and hopefully this is something we'll be doing every year." 

The event also highlighted the partnership between Realtors and the businesses that support the local housing industry. Vendors lined one side of the courts, giving mortgage companies, title agencies, inspectors and other business partners an opportunity to connect with association members throughout the evening. 

Among the early favorites were Katherine Ouellette and Andrew Shkotkin, representing The Selby Group. The pair entered the event with about a year of pickleball experience and quickly made an impression, winning their opening matches 11-0 and 11-2.

"I mean, it's fun," Shkotkin said. "When it turns into a competition, it's automatically more fun. It motivates us to play better, and when we play better, we have more fun."

Ouellette said their youth also worked to their advantage.

"It feels good to be younger because we're more agile and athletic," she said. 

By the end of the evening, they had lived up to the expectations, capturing the tournament championship.

The Selby Group, sponsored by Debra Wingo, claimed first place behind Katherine Ouellette and Andrew Shkotkin.

Second place went to FLO Motion, sponsored by FLO Mortgage, with Austin Basque and Rich Cottingham finishing as runners-up.

Lemongrass, sponsored by Realty Executives Oceanside, rounded out the top three with Zach Pear and Navuta Sun earning third place.

Other competitors came with considerably more tournament experience. Steve and Katie Thomas of Trademark Realty Group said they had been playing pickleball since 2023 and enjoyed the opportunity to compete while supporting the association.

"We came here to have a good time, represent the sport and help the facility grow," Steve Thomas said.

Asked what keeps bringing them back to pickleball, his answer was simple.

"Tournaments, exercise and camaraderie."

Katie Thomas encouraged others to give the sport a try.

"It's a lot of fun," she said, while Steve added that it provides "great exercise." He also praised pickleball's accessibility.

"It's a great community game," he said. "Everybody gets along, everybody has a good time. It's a very inclusive game that people from 8 years old to 80 years old can play." 

Third-place finishers Zach Pear and Navuta Sun said the tournament was their first competitive event together after about a year and a half of playing pickleball.

"We're just having fun," Pear said. "It's our first tournament, and it's a blessing. We're having a good time."

After opening with an 11-0 victory, Pear remained focused on the task ahead.

"I'm just going to focus and play hard," he said. "That's all we can do." 

Beyond the competition, Lang hopes the tournament becomes an annual tradition that continues growing alongside the sport's popularity in Palm Coast.

He also used the event to highlight the Southern Recreation Center as one of the city's premier recreational facilities, saying its popularity demonstrates the growing demand for additional pickleball courts.

For the association, however, the evening's biggest victory wasn't measured by medals or match scores. It was the opportunity to strengthen relationships among Realtors, business partners and the community while supporting advocacy efforts that members say help protect homeownership and private property rights throughout Florida. 

 

×

Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning local news.