Events and Activities : Save the Date! 2nd Annual Vinton Lions Club Foundation “Battle for the Paddle"

Save the Date! The Vinton Lions Club Foundation (VLCF) will host the Second Annual Pickleball Tournament, “Battle for the Paddle,” on Saturday, May 9, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Funds raised will support scholarships for Vinton-Shellsburg High School students. 

The tournament will be held at both the Vinton Skate Center, located at 1703 C Ave. and BL Anderson Park, located at the corner of 13th Street and 8th Avenue in Vinton. 

Entry fee per team is $60 and includes a free lunch for players and an Official “Battle for the Paddle” Tournament T-Shirt. Lunch will be served at BL Anderson Park and will include a choice of Hamburger, Tenderloin, or Hot Dog and choice of Beverage.

This will be an open, round robin, non-sanctioned tournament for doubles with three skill level brackets, including Beginner; Intermediate; and Competitive. This tournament is open for all ages from high school age and up. 

Early registration is recommended, as there are limited spots available. Registration is open until May 3rd, but T-shirt guarantee cut-off date is April 24th. To register, visit the following link: https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/LionsClubVintonIowaFoundationPickleballTournament/Register  

Sponsorships are available to support this event. In a letter to potential sponsors, VLCF member Robin Martin wrote, “This fun-filled event will bring together players of all skill levels to enjoy friendly competition while raising funds to support the Vinton Lions Club Foundation and scholarships for Vinton-Shellsburg High School students. As a valued member of our community, we invite you to become a sponsor and help us make this tournament a huge success. Your support will not only promote local sports and healthy living but also contribute directly to the education and future of our students.”

Business, individual, and family sponsorships are available for $100 and will include the placement of business or individual names on event banners and t-shirts. 

“Your sponsorship will directly impact the success of this event and support our mission to give back to the community,” Martin wrote. “We would love to partner with you to make this tournament a memorable experience for all participants and spectators.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring this event should reach out to Robin Martin at 319-210-3052 or robinmartin62@gmail.com for a sponsorship form. All forms and sponsor contributions must be turned in by April 17, 2026. 

The Lions Food Truck will be onsite for the tournament at BL Anderson Park to serve tenderloins, tater tots, funnel cakes, and snow cones. Some other family-fun activities are being planned to help make this a great day at the park for local families.