Special Olympic Pickleball Edmonton Program: Special Olympic athletes in Edmonton are now part of Canada’s growing pickleball community. Every Tuesday, they gather at the Edmonton Pickleball Club to learn and play the game. With help from volunteers, this program gives athletes a chance to stay active, build friendships, and enjoy a fun new sport together.
Pickleball Welcomes All
Pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s easy to learn and fun to play. In Canada, it’s quickly growing. About 1.54 million Canadians now play, according to Pickleball Canada. That’s a 57% rise since 2022.
A 2025 survey showed 88% of players pick up a paddle just for fun. That joy is clear every week in Edmonton, where Special Olympic athletes are learning to serve, volley, and smile together.
A Growing Community in Edmonton
The Edmonton Pickleball Club has reached full capacity with 800 members. Club president Andrew Happer said, “We’ve had to limit it because there’s been such high demand.”
One of their popular programs started in May. It brings Special Olympic athletes together to practice skills and play games.
“It’s been very positive, because they get physically active, learn how to play the game and engage with one another,” said Andrew Happer.
Volunteers run the program and love teaching the athletes. Their goal is to help each person enjoy the game and feel welcome on the court.
Voices from the Court
Many of the athletes already feel at home. Johathan, a Special Olympic athlete, said, “I love the sport. I love how it’s active … I like making new friends and talking to the wonderful coaches that are here to help us.”
Another athlete, Nicholas, appreciates the support from volunteers.
“I like how the coaches take their time and do one-on-one instruction to help participants learn the proper forms and shots,” he said.
Looking Toward the Future
Pickleball isn’t part of the Olympic Games yet. The Carvana Professional Pickleball Association says it needs more worldwide reach and structure to qualify.
But Johathan and Nicholas are ready if it ever happens. They hope to play on the world stage one day.
Until then, they’re happy building skills and confidence each week in Edmonton—one serve at a time.
News in Brief: Special Olympic Pickleball Edmonton Program
Special Olympic athletes in Edmonton are learning pickleball through weekly sessions at the Edmonton Pickleball Club. With strong volunteer support, they’re gaining new skills and friendships. As the sport grows across Canada, this program shows how pickleball is helping athletes feel active, included, and ready for even bigger dreams.
ALSO READ: Cobourg Pickleball Club Offers $125K Match to Transform Aging Courts—Will Council Say Yes?