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Early Years’ Second Annual Pickleball Fundraising Tournament Returns October 17

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHAPEL HILL, NC (September 17, 2026) — The countdown is on! Early Years’ second annual pickleball fundraising tournament is just 30 days away. On October 17, 2026, the community will gather at Ephesus Park Courts in Chapel Hill for a day of friendly competition, connection and meaningful impact.

Every serve, volley and point on the court will help support the dedicated early educators who prepare our youngest learners for a successful future, as well as families committed to providing their children with the best possible start. This tournament is about more than pickleball. It is an opportunity to invest in our community’s children and expand access to high-quality early education, which lays the foundation for lifelong learning and success. When early educators have the training, resources and compensation they need to thrive, children and families benefit.

“Every day, the staff of Early Years shows up with a simple but powerful belief: that every child deserves a strong beginning and every person who works with young children deserves to be valued for the difference they make,” said Dr. Kristi Lee Snuggs, president of Early Years.

Every registration, sponsorship and donation helps Early Years continue its work supporting early educators and the children and families they serve. Together, we can rally behind early educators and invest in a stronger future for every child.

“Serve & Support gives our community a chance to be part of that belief. This tournament is about more than raising money — it is about raising up the people and the mission that makes a difference in the lives of children and families. The funds raised will help Early Years continue the important work of strengthening our early childhood system, while also allowing us to invest in and celebrate the dedicated staff who make that work possible every day. I hope people will come out to play, sponsor, donate and have a little fun with us. Because when we come together to support the people who support children, we create hope, opportunity and a stronger future for North Carolina,” Snuggs added.

Ready to rally for early education? Grab your paddle and join Early Years on October 17.

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Event Details

Event: Early Years’ Second Annual Pickleball Fundraising Tournament

Date: October 17, 2026

Location: Ephesus Park Courts, Chapel Hill, NC

More Information: www.earlyyearsnc.org/pickleball

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About Early Years

Headquartered in North Carolina’s Research Triangle region, Early Years is a leader and advocate in child care services on the local, state and national level. We collaborate with many partners, businesses and stakeholders to address needs within the child care system. We are only one part of the broader community’s commitment to create changes that help every child. Early Years leads efforts to strengthen accessible and affordable high-quality early care and education by providing support for families, communities and the workforce.

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Media Contact:
Carolyn Reynolds
Director of Development & Communications
carolynr@earlyyearsnc.org
919-967-3272 ext. 1972