Fannie Foy Pickleball Inspiration: At Council Bluffs Area Pickleball, 92-year-old Fannie Foy is proof that age doesn’t have to slow you down. She helped start the club and treats it like her second family. Fannie Foy is known for her love of the game and the kindness she shares with everyone.
Fannie Foy’s Love for the Game
Fannie Foy said she feels happy to see the sport growing and to play with so many friendly people.
“It really is neat to see it grow like this, and the people are friendly. It’s just like tennis, you really get obsessed with it and it’s fun. It’s good exercise, keeps you going.”(Fannie Foy)
Even at 92, Fannie Foy plays with great skill. She said some players look surprised when they find out they have to face her on the court.
“I’ve had them give me, when they found they had to play with me, they gave me a strange look,” (Fannie Foy).
Helping Others Through Pickleball
Tom Richards, another member of the club, has Parkinson’s disease. He said pickleball and playing with Fannie Foy have helped him feel better and stay positive.
“She still beats the crap out of me when we’re playing games but I still love her to pieces and she’s just been great to play with,”(Tom Richards).
He explained how hard Parkinson’s can be on mental health, but pickleball helps.
“The mental health part about Parkinson’s, people don’t know it but a lot of people get depressed and bummed out,” (Tom Richards).
An Inspiration to Keep Going
Everyone at the club agrees that Fannie Foy inspires them to keep playing and enjoy life no matter their age. She said she feels lucky to still be active and has no plans to stop anytime soon.
“I don’t know when I’m going to quit. I just feel really blessed that I can play, though. Not everybody can play, no matter what age.”(Fannie Foy)
The club hopes to keep playing together, always encouraged by Fannie Foy’s spirit and love for pickleball.
News in Brief: Fannie Foy Pickleball Inspiration
Fannie Foy, 92, inspires players at Council Bluffs Area Pickleball. She helped start the club and still competes with energy. Tom Richards, who has Parkinson’s, says playing with her lifts his spirits. Foy feels blessed to play and has no plans to slow down.
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