Ponoka Pickleball Parkinson’s Awareness Event: The Spinning Wheels Tour 2025 made a stop in Ponoka on August 15, where riders joined the local community for a game of pickleball. The cross-country cycling event, known as “Pedalling for Parkinson’s,” is meant to raise awareness about the disease while promoting physical activity.
Pickleball Stop in Ponoka
After cycling through Lacombe earlier in the day, the western team paused in Ponoka to connect with residents. Brendan McGlynn, a member of Parkinson’s Canada and Parkinson’s Alberta, suggested adding pickleball matches during the journey to bring more people into the cause.
“When you’re on the bike, you don’t talk to anyone,” said Brendan McGlynn.
The group had also played in Olds the night before, where they received strong support.
“They gave us a great welcome,” said Brendan McGlynn.
Local Support and Connection
When Brendan McGlynn contacted Ponoka Pickleball Club executive Gail Schur, she quickly agreed to help organize the event. For Gail Schur, the cause was deeply personal, as her father lived with Parkinson’s for seven years before his passing in 2017.
“So I know how hard it is, and I admire Brendan,” said Gail Schur.
“Now I see him doing all his sports and cycling and, actually, my father used to cycle too,” she said.
“When he used to cycle, it’s like he never had Parkinsons, but as soon as he’d stop, you know, all the symptoms came back.”
She also explained that her father faced challenges before being diagnosed.
“It’s not just a blood test, it’s a you know, walk in a straight line, kind of thing, and balance,” said Gail Schur.
Playing Through the Weather
Although most cyclists were too tired after a long day of battling the weather, Brendan McGlynn still came out to play. Members of the Ponoka Pickleball Club turned up in good numbers to join him.
The game was first scheduled for the courts behind the Aquaplex, but cold weather forced a change. The Town of Ponoka stepped in, moving the games indoors to the curling rink.
“(There’s been) such a warm welcome from communities along the way,” said Brendan McGlynn.
About 12 players attended, and several matches were held.
“I think, having an illness, being active is better than medicine, because there’s no negative side effects,” said Brendan McGlynn.
Meaning of the Event
The stop in Ponoka showed how the tour is about more than cycling. It is about connection, awareness, and activity that improves quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s. Pickleball gave locals and riders a way to share support and build community.
News in Brief: Ponoka Pickleball Parkinson’s Awareness Event
The Spinning Wheels Tour 2025 stopped in Ponoka on August 15 for a pickleball event. Despite cold weather, locals gathered indoors to play with Brendan McGlynn, a member of Parkinson’s Canada and Parkinson’s Alberta. The event raised awareness for Parkinson’s disease and highlighted the benefits of staying active.
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