Calgary’s Pickleball Program: Over 30 Special Olympic athletes were celebrated on Sunday for their pickleball skills at the MNP Community and Sport Centre in downtown Calgary. The athletes completed a training course led by certified pickleball instructors Peter and Jean Lellewellyn.
The event marked the end of their training, with each athlete receiving a certificate of completion from Olympic champion and Sport Canada president, Catriona Le May Doan.
A Joyful and Inclusive Training Experience
Jean Lellewellyn described the group as a delight to coach.
“My husband and I both do a lot of teaching throughout the week, but this group is smiles all the way. They just really appreciate it and love it.” – (Jean Lellewellyn)
The athletes, who varied in skill levels, were divided into groups to match their abilities. Lellewellyn explained,
“And as you can see, there’s quite a range of skill levels. They’re very diverse with their abilities, so we tend to divide them into groups according to skill levels, and the top group obviously can play great pickleball games and (with) others, we’re focusing more on movement and hand eye coordination for them, which benefits them in lots of different ways.” – (Jean Lellewellyn)
The course offered a unique opportunity for athletes to learn at their pace while enjoying the sport.
Growing Popularity of Pickleball
Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport, is attracting players of all ages and abilities.
“It is a game, really, for everyone and I think the people here, because of their diverse abilities, it shows that anyone can come onto a court and enjoy the game.” – (Jean Lellewellyn)
The accessibility and inclusivity of pickleball made it an excellent fit for Sunday’s pickleball program, which highlighted its versatility for players of diverse abilities.
“It was originally a game that tended to be seen for older people, but the average age has come down from 60-ish, and I think now it stands at 30 something — so the age is gradually coming down as more people play.” – (Jean Lellewellyn)
Athlete Insights and Personal Growth
Damion Chiodo, one of the participants, shared how the program helped him develop new skills.
“I noticed myself that I still develop slowly over time. I’m someone who learns very slowly, but I feel like today I’ve developed, and I’ve gotten a lot better.” – (Damion Chiodo)
Chiodo, who also plays basketball, golf, and hockey, said his goal is to keep improving.
“My goal is just to improve so that I know that I’m getting better — and then I can move up and play better players.” – (Damion Chiodo)
Impact and Future Opportunities
The event showed how pickleball can create meaningful experiences for athletes of all skill levels. The certificates of completion symbolize not just their growth in pickleball but also their personal achievements.
As the popularity of pickleball continues to rise, inclusive programs like these show how the sport can build communities and foster development for people of all abilities.
News in Brief: Calgary’s Pickleball Program
Over 30 Special Olympic athletes in Calgary completed a joyful pickleball training course led by certified instructors. The inclusive program catered to all skill levels, promoting personal growth and hand-eye coordination. Athletes were celebrated with certificates, showing how pickleball fosters community, inclusivity, and opportunities for players of all abilities.
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