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 Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast 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.
