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.<\/p>\n
Sunil \u201cSunny\u201d Patel faced off against last year\u2019s second-place finisher in the American Poolplayers Association wheelchair division during an exhibition match that doubled as a fundraiser.<\/p>\n
The event comes as Patel prepares to travel to Las Vegas <\/a>next month to compete in the APA Wheelchair Championship.<\/p>\n More Tallahassee news: <\/p>\n Patel said Saturday\u2019s match marked his first time competing against someone else in a wheelchair.<\/p>\n \u201cThe only difference is that we\u2019re on the same level, so we\u2019re going to have the same level playing field as someone standing up who has a different range of viewing and playing than us,\u201d Patel said. \u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Saturday\u2019s tournament also served as a key fundraiser to help cover Patel\u2019s travel expenses, including flights and hotel costs.<\/p>\n He is relying on support from the Tallahassee community, and a GoFundMe<\/a> organized by a local supporter has already reached about 85% of its goal.<\/p>\n Patel is expected to compete in the championship in Las Vegas next month.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n