Pictured ( l to r ): Bob Becker , Rick Flora and Joe Sullivan playing pickleball at East Naples Community Park .
regular therapy and it ’ s a lot of fun , with a lot of benefits to help with hand-eye coordination .”
After 32 days in rehab , he headed back to Florida . Once he was well enough , he called Joe . Thanks to some donors at East Naples Community Park , Joe told Rick there was a wheelchair available for him to use so he could get back on the courts !
“ Mentally , pickleball is really good for those who are struggling ,” says Joe when asked about how he encourages players to get on the courts using a wheelchair for the first time . “ You ’ re getting into a social situation . This game is so friendly , and people are so welcoming — it ’ s not something you should feel intimidated about .”
Today , it ’ s incredible that Rick is back on the courts doing what he loves . Although he ’ s playing in a wheelchair , his goal is to get back on his feet in the future . •
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MARCH / APRIL 2022 | MAGAZINE 53