You may have never heard of it, but Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Played on a court one-third the size of a tennis court, using a combination of elements from the games of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, Pickleball is a simple and fun sport to play!
It captures all ages but especially seniors/baby boomers. With its ease of learning, low impact and relatively inexpensive cost, it’s a great sport that offers you the ability to remain (or become) active. Many of the facilities provide the equipment, but if the one you choose to attend does not, all you need is a paddle, whiffle ball (similar to balls) and tennis shoes. It is not only a great workout but a great way to socialize with friends and meet new ones. Even if you have no athletic ability, don’t be shy. Pickleball, because it’s so simple to teach and learn, is truly for everyone.
With 26 indoor facilities with over 100 courts and another 30 outdoor courts in the Triangle, you have a plethora of days and times to choose from to arrange your schedule to join more than 1,000 active pickleball players in the area. Also, make sure you check these out during the Senior Games this spring, just one of other dozens of tournaments in which they participate.
Head over to www.pickleballcarolina.com to register. The website is full of information to help you get started. It’s where you can reach out to a Senior Games Ambassador with any questions or sign up for the local indoor facilities which offer special low cost memberships that allow for unlimited access to any of their courts. All outdoor courts are free and are on a first-come, first-served.
Joe BorrelliMeet Joe Borrelli, the Pickleball Ambassador for the Coastal Region and group leader of local ambassadors in The Triangle. Joe is originally from New York but joined us in North Carolina in 1996. After giving IBM 33 years, he retired in 2012 and has since been involved in promoting and growing the Sport of Pickleball, which he has done well! Joe is an IPTPA Certified Pickleball Instructor; you can now find him teaching the sport for the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department.