Pickleball Magazine 4-4 | Page 14

dinks What’s News in Pickleball South Carolina Pickleball Club Offers Wellness Program to Police Recruits One of the six pillars of modern police work is Officer Safety and Wellness. T he pickleball community in Aiken, SC, has initiated a unique wellness program for recruited officers and others within the Aiken Department of Public Safety (ADPS). As District Ambassador of the USAPA and a member of the Aiken Pickledilly’s Group, Mo Garcia has been working with ADPS to arrange a series of pickleball clinics for police officers. The police recruits had already been playing informal pickleball as part of their physical fitness regimen many mornings before heading off to training. Mo invited a group of police recruits, along with other members of ADPS, their families and friends, and Aiken Pickledilly’s club members, to a kick-off event in the spring. Part of the festivities included an exhibition by some of Aiken's finest pickleball players and, as the sport was being played, a member of Pickledilly’s explained the rules of the game, etc. Also, a demonstration on the proper way to set up a net was held. The culmination of the event was commemorated with the presentation of a limited-edition graphite pickleball paddle displaying the “thin blue line" with the ADPS shield. The unique paddle was donated by Mo Power Sport, LLC to ADPS. Club members then partnered with guests on the pickleball courts, while more advanced club members coached from the sidelines. After nearly two hours of play, the new pickleball players left the courts with smiles and plenty of laughs. The goal of fun and fitness was achieved. Without question, law enforcement is a stress-filled occupation. Pickleball not only provides a fun-filled activity, but also offers an hour or two of much-needed relief from a hectic day. Aiken has a thriving pickleball community, active at various indoor and outdoor facilities, both public and private. ADPS officers, along with their families and friends, who want to pursue the sport outside of work have plenty of opportunities in this beautiful community. Aikenpickleball.com is a great resource for getting involved in one of the fastest growing sports in America. Continued on page 14 > 12 TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM