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Connection
U . S . Surgeon General Dr . Vivek Murthy is among the most trusted voices in America on matters of public health . One of his main objectives is to tackle the alarming rate of loneliness in the United States . And pickleball can be part of the solution .
by LAURA GAINOR photos by Mira Adwell
In a society increasingly dominated by digital interactions , the United States is grappling with an unexpected crisis : loneliness . U . S . Surgeon General Dr . Vivek Murthy is addressing this pervasive issue , calling for genuine face-to-face connections . It ’ s no surprise that pickleball — a highly social and welcoming sport — is one way of bringing people and communities together .
Today , there are nearly 50 million pickleball players , according to the 2023 APP Pickleball Participation Report . “ Pickleball has tapped into something that we ’ ve known for a long time but need to be reminded of — meeting up in person , getting some exercise , and playing a sport , whether you ’ re a child or an adult — these are all part of what it means to be human . We need connection and time with others to thrive , just as we need food and water ,” says Dr . Murthy .
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“ I recently introduced my 5- and 7-year-old to pickleball and they absolutely loved it . I ’ m excited for us to play more in 2024 ,” says Dr . Murthy , walking along the National Mall in Washington , D . C .
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