The LucStrong pickleball tournament is a charity fundraiser that brings pickleball players to Simi Valley to support the LucStrong Foundation, which helps families of children with sickle cell disease. I spent the day at the 2023 tournament talking with the founders, the organizers, and players who came from as far as Colorado.
What is the LucStrong Foundation?
The LucStrong Foundation was started by Luc Bodden’s parents to honor their son. Luc had sickle cell disease, and he died from complications of it in 2016, at age 10. Today the foundation carries on his legacy by helping other children like him. It works with children’s hospitals and gives grants to families to help with medical costs and other needs.
Luc’s dad thanked everyone at the tournament for coming out, and you could hear how much the support from the pickleball community means to their family.
Why a pickleball tournament?
Organizer Michelle Adams put the tournament together with the foundation to raise money for the cause. Pickleball has a big, friendly community here in Simi Valley, and a lot of our local tournaments are run for nonprofits and causes like this one. If you play, keep an eye out for them. It’s a great way to compete and give back on the same day.
What was the day like?
- Players from all over: I met players who came all the way from Colorado. Their verdict on Simi Valley pickleball: the people here are so nice.
- The Tipsy Trailer: serving coffee and mocktails all day, with proceeds going to the LucStrong Foundation.
- A raffle, also benefiting the foundation.
- Local sponsors, including me. I was proud to support it.
How can you get involved?
LucStrong holds pickleball fundraisers in our area, and the location and date change from year to year. Check lucstrong.org for upcoming tournaments, or to donate directly.
LucStrong pickleball tournament 2024
I went back in 2024 to film the tournament again. It’s great to see this event keep growing.
LucStrong also hosts a kickball tournament. Read about the kickball tournament.
Frequently asked questions
What is the LucStrong pickleball tournament?
It’s a charity pickleball tournament that raises money for the LucStrong Foundation, which supports families of children with sickle cell disease. This video covers the 2023 tournament in Simi Valley.
Who was the LucStrong Foundation named for?
Luc Bodden, who died from complications of sickle cell disease in 2016 at age 10. His parents started the foundation to honor him.
Where can I find the next tournament?
Upcoming events are posted at lucstrong.org. Locations change, so check there for the current date and place.
Are there other charity pickleball tournaments in Simi Valley?
Yes. Many local pickleball tournaments raise money for nonprofits. Simi On Video covers them in the Events section.
Filmed May 2023 by Steve Hise for Simi On Video. Running a community event in Simi Valley? Send me a message on Instagram.
