Connect pickleball tournament raises nearly US$10,000 for career support in Cayman

More than 50 players took to the courts on Friday, 25 September, for Connect by Nova’s pickleball tournament, raising nearly US$10,000 to support the organisation’s career development work in the Cayman Islands.

Connect provides free career guidance, training and practical support to help people explore their options, prepare for work and access meaningful opportunities in the Cayman job market. In 2025, it supported 839 people through its programmes and services. Proceeds from the tournament will help Connect continue that work and extend its outreach to more students and job seekers across Cayman, from school workshops and one-to-one guidance to support in accessing work experience and employment opportunities.

“Friday was a wonderful reminder of what our community can achieve when people come together,” said Jasmine Zerjal, Connect volunteer Board member and lead organiser of the tournament. “We’re grateful to every sponsor, raffle donor and player who helped us raise these funds. Their support means Connect can reach more people with the guidance and opportunities that can make a real difference to their futures.”

This year, 13 organisations participated in the programme, including Wheaton, RSM, CML, Nova Recruitment, Jacques Scott, Walkers, Mourant, BDO, KPMG, Moore, Campbells, Cayman Finance, Enterprise Cayman, and Deloitte.

The afternoon brought local teams together for friendly competition in support of a shared goal. Congratulations to the team from Cayman Enterprise City, who took home the tournament trophy.

Connect extends its thanks to event sponsors Wheaton, Jacques Scott, BDO, four+, and Signus for making the tournament possible; to the local businesses that generously donated raffle prizes; and to every player who spent their Friday afternoon on the courts.