Daniel Island, SC – LTP Daniel Island will host the Special Olympics Pickleball Unified Tournament on Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing together athletes with special needs from Berkeley and Charleston counties for a fun and inclusive day of competition and community.
The event, part of LTP’s ongoing Special Needs Pickleball Program, is made possible through the work of Sue and Steve Gilroy and their nonprofit Making Anything Possible. The tournament will feature 20 athletes, ages 15 to 35, in two formats: an Individual Skills Challenge and a Unified Doubles round robin, pairing athletes with partners, often parents or volunteers, for match play.
“This program is about more than just playing pickleball, it’s about giving these athletes a place to grow, compete and belong,” said Steve Gilroy, founder of Making Anything Possible. “Our goal is to expand this model across the region and build more opportunities like this in surrounding communities.”
While the tournament doesn’t include formal seeding, nine athletes participating previously medaled at the Special Olympics State Games in Lexington, including Jacob Morgan, Caroline Colucco, and Sid Owens, who each earned gold.
“This event perfectly captures what LTP Pickleball is all about, connection, community and competition for everyone,” said Steve Williams, Head of Pickleball at LTP Charleston. “We’re incredibly proud to support the Gilroys and the athletes as this program continues to grow.”
The Special Olympics Area 6 represents Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. LTP’s program is currently the only active pickleball initiative for special needs athletes in the region.
Community members are encouraged to attend, cheer on the athletes, and experience the spirit of inclusive sports in action. The tournament is free and open to the public, and promises a heartwarming display of skill, teamwork, and determination.
For more information, visit ltpchs.com.