Pickleball Sessions at Ellington Club: The Ellington Racquet Club is set to expand its offerings this fall with the introduction of a pickleball program specifically designed for children with autism. Launching in October, this new initiative will be modeled after ACEing Autism, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing tennis and pickleball opportunities for children with autism.
ACEing Autism’s approach focuses on fostering social connections and personal development through sports, and this program aims to replicate its success seen in various Connecticut locations, including North Haven and Farmington.
Pilot Program Highlights Success
On August 24, the Ellington Racquet Club hosted a pilot pickleball session, led by Bob Migliorini, ACEing Autism’s Regional Program Director. The session included four participants aged 3 to 18, guided by a team of volunteers from the club. Tracy French, the club’s owner/operator, along with Jim Maitland, leader of the Friends of Ellington Tennis, and several local high school players, facilitated the session. The hour-long event utilized a visual schedule to assist participants, a technique proven effective by ACEing Autism for enhancing engagement and comprehension.
Positive Reactions and Observations
Tracy French praised the effectiveness of the visual schedule. “They really reacted well to the visual schedule, they understood what the next steps were going to be, and they were able to follow the instructions that were given,” she noted. The feedback from participants and their families was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the supportive environment and engaging activities. A standout moment was when a participant excitedly shared his enjoyment of the sport with his parents, declaring, “Mom and Dad: I found my thing.”
Looking Ahead and Community Support
The Ellington Racquet Club’s pickleball program will be open to children with autism throughout Connecticut. Scheduled for Sunday afternoons in six-week sessions, the program aims to offer consistent opportunities for skill development and social interaction.
French, who will oversee the program and train volunteers, expressed gratitude to the town’s Recreation Department for their support, emphasizing the community’s role in making the initiative a reality.
News in Brief: Pickleball Sessions at Ellington Club
The Ellington Racquet Club will launch a new pickleball program for children with autism in October, modeled after ACEing Autism’s approach. The pilot session on August 24 was well-received, featuring a visual schedule to aid participant engagement. The program will run on Sunday afternoons in six-week sessions and is open to children with autism across Connecticut. The club appreciates the support from the town’s Recreation Department in facilitating this new initiative.
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