By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — A pickleball tournament supporting the mental health of local first responders will take place in Winona Lake in mid-August.

Project Ebenezer Helping Heroes will take place at Winona Lake Limitless Park, 1598 Park Ave., on Saturday, Aug. 17, and Sunday, Aug. 18.

Men’s and women’s doubles will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Mixed doubles will start at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18.

This is the first year for the event and organizers hope to make it an annual tournament.

Project Ebenezer is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellness of Kosciusko County first responders.

First responders experience traumatic events on a frequent basis. All of the profit raised will go directly to Kosciusko County’s first responders, including police, fire, dispatch, and jailers.

“A couple first responders took the courageous step of asking for help due to experiencing the negative effects that can come from repeatedly being exposed to critical incidents and prolonged stress,” said representatives for Project Ebenezer. “Once some of these first responders started to share their positive experiences from healing, the door began to open for others to feel they could be a little more vulnerable as well. This became a trickle effect with additional individuals coming forward, asking Project Ebenezer for help with getting connected with the proper resources to address their specific needs.”

Funds raised will support first responders in various ways. Project Ebenezer can assist with supporting therapies, medications, trainings, travel expenses for treatment, or providing resources for first responder-specific or first responder friendly providers.

Project Ebenezer representatives said their job is to help connect those that are hurting to the trained professionals who can help first responders move from a place of post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth.

The tournament will have a misting tent and misting fans, a shaded area to sit between games, food for purchase during lunchtime hours, and a Kona Ice truck selling snow cones. Several first responder agencies in Kosciusko County will also have emergency vehicles present for participants and the general public to check out and take photographs with.

Participants can sign up for the tournament online. The cost is currently $40 until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 30, and includes a tournament T-shirt. Cost will increase to $45 at midnight Monday, July 1.

There is a no-refund policy due to inclement weather conditions.

Anyone interested in volunteering, donating, or being a corporate sponsor can email [email protected]. Those seeking more information can also visit the organization’s Instagram page @project_ebenezer.

“We are passionate about our players having a fun experience while allowing them the opportunity to show Kosciusko County first responders just how valued and supported they are by our community,” said Project Ebenezer representatives. “We want these heroes to know their mental health matters, and that there is a community rallying behind them to support their healing journey.”