TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Supporters gathered at Zingales Sports Bar and Grill Saturday to cheer on a local pool player while helping him raise money for an upcoming national wheelchair championship.
Sunil “Sunny” Patel faced off against last year’s second-place finisher in the American Poolplayers Association wheelchair division during an exhibition match that doubled as a fundraiser.
The event comes as Patel prepares to travel to Las Vegas next month to compete in the APA Wheelchair Championship.
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Patel said Saturday’s match marked his first time competing against someone else in a wheelchair.
“The only difference is that we’re on the same level, so we’re going to have the same level playing field as someone standing up who has a different range of viewing and playing than us,” Patel said. “It’s my first time ever playing against someone in a wheelchair, so just to see how it feels and enjoy it and have a good time.”
Saturday’s tournament also served as a key fundraiser to help cover Patel’s travel expenses, including flights and hotel costs.
He is relying on support from the Tallahassee community, and a GoFundMe organized by a local supporter has already reached about 85% of its goal.
Patel is expected to compete in the championship in Las Vegas next month.
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