Bermuda Pickleball Tournament Raises Funds for Mental Health

When 19 teams gathered at Bermuda's WER Joell Tennis Stadium for an afternoon of pickleball, they had more than winning on their minds.

Bermuda International Long Term Insurers and Reinsurers (BILTIR) hosted its first charity pickleball tournament, bringing together 80 insurance industry professionals and interns for an event that mixed networking with giving back. The tournament featured two divisions, allowing both competitive players and casual participants to join the fun.

Marsh took first place in the competitive division, followed by Athene and EY. In the friendly division, Aspida Re claimed the top spot, with Monument Re and Wilton Re rounding out the winners. Each winning team earned the right to direct a donation to a charity of their choice.

Marsh selected the Bermuda Mental Health Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing mental health resources and preserving these vital services across the island. Aspida Re chose the Carter Center Charity, which offers support and training for adults living with learning and physical disabilities.

"The inaugural Charity Pickleball Tournament is one example of BILTIR's commitment to creating unique opportunities for interns to connect with peers in the long-term sector outside of the office," said Suzanne Williams, BILTIR's CEO. The event gave younger professionals a relaxed setting to build relationships across Bermuda's reinsurance industry while supporting their community.

The Ripple Effect

The tournament's impact extended beyond the winning donations. Local businesses joined the effort, with Goslings providing beverages, Trini Spice supplying lunch, and Duch Pops serving frozen treats throughout the afternoon. By choosing local vendors, BILTIR strengthened the event's community connection and gave small businesses a boost.

The combination of workplace networking and charitable giving created something special for participants. Interns gained valuable industry connections while learning that professional success and community service go hand in hand. The tournament showed how a simple afternoon of sport can address serious needs like mental health support and disability services.

BILTIR plans to continue creating events that strengthen connections between professionals while reinforcing the organization's commitment to Bermuda's community.