Four Michigan pickleball players are hoping to set a new world record and raise both awareness and money all in one swing.
West Michigan residents Brad Haverkamp, Julie Ondersma, Sydney Sonday and Caleb Dang will try to break the Guinness World Record for longest marathon by breaking the record of 34 hours, five minutes and 55 seconds. The record was recently achieved by a foursome at an event organized by the Central London Alliance in London, UK on Sept. 24, 2024.
Paddles for a Purpose, a record-breaking event, will take place Sat., Nov. 23, 2024, at the All In Pickleball Gym in Byron Center, Mich.
All funds raised during the event will go to Gift of Life Michigan in support of organ, eye and tissue donation. The cause is one that is close to the players who recently learned a fellow competitor needed a kidney transplant.
Evan Zuiderveen, a 23-year-old pickleball player from Ada, Mich., joins more than 2,400 Michigan residents currently waiting for a life-saving organ and the 80 percent specifically in need of a kidney.
“Evan hasn’t let his diagnosis keep him off the court,” said event organizer and competitor, Brad Haverkamp. “Watching him play has been inspiring, and we hope through this event we’re able to inspire others to help save lives like his.”
To learn more about the event and how you can pledge your support, visit golm.org/paddles.
The best way to save lives is by joining the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. To register or learn more about the donation process, visit giftoflifemichigan.org.
