Along with living out our mission to be the trusted leader in innovative, quality-focused, comprehensive musculoskeletal care, EmergeOrtho – Coastal Region is deeply committed to our core values. Sponsoring the YMCA Pickleball for All tournament on March 7-9, 2024, was an opportunity to focus on several in one fun-filled event, including diversity & inclusion, community, teamwork, compassion and education.
The Nir Family YMCA on Market Street in Wilmington, NC was the center of the action over the weekend, with players ranging from 18 to 89 years old.
On Thursday, the Transition Program for Young Adults (TPYA) took to the courts. A partnership with New Hanover County Schools and UNCW’s Watson College of Education, TPYA uses a community classroom concept to help 18 to 21-year-olds learn the skills necessary to make a seamless transition from school to community and adult life.
“They had an absolute ball,” said Julie Wilson, Physician Liaison with EmergeOrtho Coastal Region who helped coordinate the event. “The gym was full of laughter and lighthearted play.”
Friday brought out members of the Parkinson’s Exercise group. A YMCA program, Parkinson’s Exercise classes are designed to empower people with Parkinson’s Disease by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms. Some had played pickleball in the past; many were newbies. All seemed to enjoy it immensely.
On Saturday, passionate pickleballers of all ages competed in mixed doubles at the 3.0 and 3.5 levels, as well as in a men’s division of 3.5+. Getting into the spirit of the event, numerous EmergeOrtho employees also got into the action, with the following results:
In the 3.0 mixed doubles division, Julie Wilson and her partner took the silver medal, while physician assistant Gabbie Cuna and her partner won bronze.
Nurse practitioner Susan Sobel teamed with physician assistant Joe Ellender in the 3.5 mixed category and came out on top, clutching the gold medal.
Dr. John O’Malley and Joe Ellender also battled it out in an intense men’s advanced division.
We also set up a booth for Saturday’s event, sharing a great deal of information with past, current and future patients regarding EmergeOrtho’s services.
EmergeOrtho – Coastal Region is proud to foster a longstanding partnership with the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina. Proceeds for the YMCA Pickleball for All tournament help support the Y’s community health programs, including Livestrong Program, Parkinson’s Exercise and Diabetes Prevention. These programs help to improve the lives of those with Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
