The local branch of Best Buddies International will host its inaugural "inclusive" Best Buddies Pickleball Smash on Sunday, Aug. 11, at Aspen Meadows Resort. It is being organized by Drita Bardha-Rosin, a local advocate and pickleball enthusiast.

The tournament will be a mixed gender, round robin-style affair featuring four different levels: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5. Play is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and go until around 6 p.m.

Enjoy cornhole, ping pong, free snacks and cooled drinks (non-alcoholic), and a live DJ.

Joining the tournament as a featured guest and player will be actor Matthew Von Der Ahe. Von Der Ahe, who has Down Syndrome, has been featured in films such as "Champions" with Woody Harrelson, as well as the shows Code Black, Weeds, and Yo Gabba Gabba.

Von Der Ahe also is a public speaker and state ambassador for Best Buddies International, and works for Finley's dog treat company while pursuing weekly piano and drum lessons, according to a news release. In his spare time, he loves to hang out with his friend and citizen buddy, Clarke. Be sure to look for Von Der Aye's main character, "Charlie," in the upcoming film, Wish Watch.

Noah Croy, a Best Buddies ambassador, will also be joining the pickleball tournament. Croy, a Southern California native, is a member of the performing dance group, Straight Up Abilities, and will attend a workshop with the London Ballet this winter.

Special thanks to Paradise Bakery for donating fresh baked goods and City Market for beverages. Also, thank you to Komodo Paddles, CRBN, French Bistro, Mezzaluna, Campo De Fiori, Angelos, Madame Ushi, Gorsuch, and Anatomie for donating prizes, reads the news release.

Cost is $500 per person and all proceeds from the tournament will benefit Best Buddies International. For more and to sign up, visit http://www.bestbuddies.org/pickleball.