Greenville’s Adaptive Pickleball Program: In a city known for its Southern charm, Sandy Halkett is adding a new aspect to Greenville’s community spirit with Adaptive Pickleball (APB). Founded by Halkett, who also initiated the first Greenville Special Olympics golf and pickleball teams, APB is reshaping the lives of those with disabilities through the power of sport.
A Beacon of Hope and Transformation
For the past three years, APB has been more than just a sports organization. It has become a beacon of hope and transformation for its participants. The nonprofit provides essential equipment, including specialized sports wheelchairs valued between $3,000 and $4,000, ensuring that those in need can play without barriers.
“Our participants often tell us that pickleball has truly saved their lives,It’s not just about getting them out of the house; it’s about fostering socialization, improving health, and showing them that they can still engage in sports despite their disabilities. We refer to it as ‘pickleball therapy.’”-(halkett)
Personal Journey and Impact
Halkett’s journey with adaptive sports is deeply personal. She began with golf, learning from her father before teaching him the game after his stroke. This experience has profoundly shaped her approach to adaptive sports, turning her challenges into a source of motivation for others.
“My father had a stroke and he was one of my first participants after his stroke,He taught me how to play golf and then I was teaching him how to play golf.”-(Halkett)
Adaptive athlete Cece Russell praises Halkett’s dedication. “Sandy is a coach in every sense of the word. Her enthusiasm, organizational skills, and awareness of each athlete’s needs make her one of a kind,” Russell said.
One of the standout stories from APB is that of Marco Bungert, who has been paralyzed from the chest down for three decades. Despite his disability, Bungert travels an hour from Abbeville to Greenville to participate in various sports, including pickleball.
“I do water skiing, play basketball, tennis, pickleball, rock climbing, sailing, ice hockey. I just say if it’s not in your comfort zone, try it and you never know what you’ll like.”-(Bungert)
Halkett highlights the evolution of pickleball from a therapeutic activity to a competitive venture for many of her athletes. “Seeing athletes transform from being hesitant to eagerly asking about the next tournament is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
“The final piece is the competitiveness. I think there’s a competitive spirit in all of us, It’s amazing to see these athletes transform from someone who were timid at first, not sure if they were going to be able to play, to asking me, when can they sign up for the next tournament.’”-(halkett)
Future Goals and Aspirations
The enthusiasm of the players was obvious during a recent session at Gower Park. As the sun set, the group celebrated their achievements with their traditional ritual—throwing wiffle balls into the air and cheering joyously.
Looking ahead, APB is preparing for its next challenge: competing in the Special Olympics South Carolina. The organization is also focused on expanding its capabilities, with plans to raise funds for a trailer to transport equipment and eventually secure a permanent facility.
For now, APB remains a safe place where possibilities are limitless and where the spirit of pickleball continues to inspire and transform lives.
News in Brief: Greenville’s Adaptive Pickleball Program
Sandy Halkett’s Adaptive Pickleball (APB) in Greenville is transforming lives through sport. Established as a nonprofit, APB provides essential equipment like specialized sports wheelchairs, creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to play pickleball. Halkett, inspired by her personal experiences with adaptive sports, describes it as ‘pickleball therapy’ that encourages socialization, health, and engagement. Notable participants, like Marco Bungert, who travels long distances to play, present the program’s impact. APB, currently getting ready for the Special Olympics South Carolina and fundraising for a permanent facility, continues to be a beacon of hope, promoting competitive spirit and community among its athletes.
