FATHER AND SON PURSUE SPECIAL OLYMPICS INCLUSION FOR PICKLEBALL
By Hana Papaco
A
father and son duo from Lehi , Utah , are on a mission to incorporate pickleball into their state ’ s Special Olympics programming . Bryan and Kyle “ Pickles ” Karren have been playing pickleball for more than three years . Though Kyle ’ s nickname may naturally lead to associations with the sport , he received the nickname ‘ Pickles ’ thanks to a fun T-shirt — before he even knew what pickleball was .
Kyle was first introduced to pickleball by friends during the pandemic . After getting a taste of the sport , he went home and searched for videos on how to play , eventually convincing his dad to join him on the court . Soon enough they were both hooked . Three years later , Bryan and Kyle are looking to lead the way in local efforts with a bigger picture in mind : introducing pickleball to Special Olympics Utah ( SOUT ), an organization in which they ’ re already heavily involved .
Kyle , who was born prematurely , was born with a learning disability that causes a developmental delay when learning new skills . He was first introduced to Special Olympics in high school when a family friend recommended he try out for the Unified soccer team affiliated with Special Olympics and the local MLS team , Real Salt Lake .
After agreeing to play on the affiliate team , Kyle and Bryan ’ s community expanded . Since their introduction to Special Olympics , Kyle has continued to represent the Unified national men ’ s soccer team , while Bryan coaches the Unified women ’ s national soccer team . Not only is Kyle a SOUT athlete , but he is also a member of the Board of Directors and holds a leadership role on the state ’ s Athlete Leadership Council .
“ I constantly have ideas , and I want to be an example for other athletes and Unified partners ,’’ Kyle said .
Just because the two had become actively involved in soccer did not mean they couldn ’ t welcome another sport into their lives .
Since pickleball is currently an emerging sport ( not officially an offered sport ) for Special Olympics , Kyle and Bryan are working to create a pickleball team
in their Special Olympics community . The two have been active in both the recreational and competitive atmospheres , hoping to prove that pickleball is a perfect addition to the Special Olympics offered sports list .
Individually , the duo have continued to improve their games . Kyle has reached a near 4.0 DUPR rating , and Bryan just hit his personal goal of a 4.5 rating .
“ We have met so many cool people and have made so many more friends since we started playing ,” Bryan said .
As for the Pickles moniker , Bryan said his son ’ s nickname is for both the playing court and field .
“ Pickles is who he is out there , to himself and his peers ,” Bryan said .
As they continue to serve as ambassadors for the sport of pickleball , Kyle and Bryan hope to help make SOUT a model for other states looking to add pickleball to their Special Olympics programming .
“ We ’ re willing to do anything to help out and encourage other Special Olympics athletes to start playing ,” explained Kyle . “ Anyone can play pickleball and , in my opinion , everyone should play it .” •
Bryan ( left ) and Kyle Karren pose for a photo with their medals after a pickleball tournament .
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MAY / JUNE 2023 | MAGAZINE 69