MANITOUWADGE — A Manitouwadge couple are looking to grow pickleball in the community.
Debbie Arola and her husband, Dave, both avid players, held an information session on Thursday morning at the Manitouwadge Rec Centre gymnasium. They hope to make this a weekly event, which may help people get active during the cold winter months.
“We wanted to let people have a chance to see what pickleball is like. It’s a game for a variety of ages and skills,” Debbie said.
Pickleball is a racket sport that was created in the 1960s. It combines several racket sports, and can be played by folks of all ages. The court has a similar layout to badminton, where perforated whiffle ball type balls are volleyed over a low, tennis-style net using a s special paddle.
It’s a great physical exercise, allowing you to work on your balance, strength, and agility. It’s an ideal sport for older or less mobile adults, as it offers light exercise without putting excessive strain on their body. For the more agile, aggressive players, the game can provide a good cardio workout, exercising your total body.
It's a boost for mental health as well. The scoring, which can only be announced by the server in a certain order, can be a tricky task, as it takes focus and concentration to remember and recite the scores. It is a good workout for hand/eye coordination, and the speedy, off-the-cuff strategizing can lead to better reaction times and decision-making skills off the court.
There’s also the social aspect of the game, whether playing or simply watching the action. Time spent with friends is always a boost to your mental health and well-being.
One of the visitors to the information session, Sheldon Plummer, is excited to learn the game.
“It gets you out of the house, gets you active,” he said. “It is far better to be active than sitting in the waiting room at the hospital!”
Pickleball games will be played every Thursday at 10:45 a.m. at the Manitouwadge Rec Centre.
The gym is open for the regular ‘Walk about/Jog about’, so come early for a warm up before the game! The only things needed are indoor shoes, a willingness to learn, and enthusiasm.
For more information, can contact instructor Debbie Arola, at (807) 826-3778, (705) 989-5142 or darola56@gmail.com.
