“ It ’ s a wonderful game . Along with a month dedicated to celebrating the sport , we want people to be aware of USA Pickleball and drive memberships . That ’ s important of course , but we ’ re also celebrating , educating , engaging and welcoming people . This is a very welcoming sport , and that ’ ll be part of National Pickleball Month .”
National Pickleball Month kicks off with Week 1 from April 1-8 , which focuses on why people love the game . As players of any level know , not only is pickleball a great way to get off the couch and get in some physical activity , but it ’ s also a social activity , with plenty of new friendships formed thanks to the sport .
“ Pickleball often speaks for itself . Why do people love pickleball ? There ’ s everything from the human interaction , to the health and fitness part , and the social side ,” Nealy said . “ Everybody has a story , and [ the month ] will give people an opportunity to hear more about those and be exposed to pickleball . There ’ s a lot of great stories of what pickleball means to people .”
He relayed the story of a woman who approached him during the 2023 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships in Dallas , Texas . She told him she ’ d become depressed and glued to her couch after tragically losing her son . However , a friend convinced her to leave the house and join her on the court . Two years later , she was volunteering at Pickleball Nationals and now plays three times a week .
“ I ’ ve heard those stories . That ’ s the wonderful piece about this [ sport ]— it can be life-changing for some people ,” Nealy said .
Week 2 from April 9-15 focuses on upping your game — a week centered on one of pickleball ’ s top selling points . It ’ s easy to play a fun , lower-impact sport , but it ’ s also easy for new players to improve thanks to a plethora of information on subjects such as how to properly warm up before hitting the court and good nutrition .
“ You can get better pretty quickly and easily . You do have that urge of wanting to get better ,” Nealy said . “ We want to focus on what ’ s available if you want to up your game , sharing the resources to help you .”
Member Appreciation is the focus for Week 3 from April 16-22 . And since USA Pickleball is a membershipdriven organization , this week has special meaning for Nealy and the staff . “ Part of this is just a thank-you and appreciation for the people who are supporting [ us ],” he explained . “ We are a nonprofit organization , but
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PHOTO BY TONI BOCZ
MARCH / APRIL 2024 | MAGAZINE 51