It may have a strange name, but it is one of the fastest growing sports in North America. If you combined tennis and badminton and added oversized ping-pong paddles, you would have pickleball. It is generally played on badminton courts with a lowered net. There are few rules and the sport is perfect for older athletes or for those that have lingering injuries; a game for all ages. Pickleball is most popular among the 55+ plus group and the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association (SSFA) is including pickleball as an activity in the SSFA Provincial 55+ Games.
Pickleball began in 1965 as a backyard kid's game in Washington State. One of the founders had a dog named Pickles, who would run away with the ball during games and that is how the sport got its name.
The Southeast Connection District Committee is inviting adults to come to learn how to play pickleball on June 11, at the Weyburn Comprehensive School gym from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at no cost. It's a great way to stay in shape. For more information or to pre-register, call Margaret at 842-4807.
Prepared by Margaret Gailing-Stepp, President, Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association Inc.
