For individuals like John Dorr, pickleball isn’t merely a recreational activity—it’s a vital source of engagement and fulfillment. “It’s very important,” Dorr explains thoughtfully. “It keeps me busy, away from the couch and TV.”
Mike Smith, a dedicated coach with a profound personal journey, embodies resilience and compassion. Having lost his leg in a harrowing Navy helicopter crash while serving in the U.S. Navy, Smith has channeled his experiences into uplifting others facing physical and mental challenges. “Pickleball,” Smith notes, “Pickleball is one of the easier sports for people with disabilities to play because there is movement, but not a lot of movement.”
Smith’s commitment shines through in his monthly adaptive pickleball clinics at Chicken N Pickle. These sessions are open to anyone grappling with disabilities—be it limb loss, brain injuries, or mobility impairments—providing a welcoming environment where participants can learn and play without financial burden. “That’s the biggest joy for me, is to see them having fun and forget for 15 minutes to an hour about their disability, like anybody else enjoying life as best they can.” Smith shares earnestly.
Among those inspired by Smith’s clinics is Julie Sisley, a 47-year-old newcomer to pickleball. Despite her limited experience—having played only twice—Sisley is determined to improve. “I think its practice and dedication, If you want to get better, you need to dedicate time and dedicate everything that comes with it.” She said.
Smith highlighted another compelling aspect of adaptive pickleball: its inclusive nature. Beyond providing a platform for disabled individuals to thrive, the sport bridges divides by fostering hybrid games that integrate able-bodied players. Smith emphasizes- “It’s much more inclusive because its not just disabled people playing with each other, People who are able bodied are more accepting now, and its fun for them. They are able to play with them and its more competitive.”
In Glendale, adaptive pickleball isn’t just about playing a game; it’s about breaking barriers and celebrating the human spirit. Through dedication, community support, and a shared passion for the sport, players like John Dorr, Mike Smith, and Julie Sisley are rewriting the narrative of disability, proving that on the courts of Chicken N Pickle, anything is possible.
News in Brief: Pickleball for Disabled Players in Glendale
In Glendale’s Chicken N Pickle complex, adaptive pickleball thrives as a transformative force for players with disabilities. Led by dedicated coach Mike Smith, who overcame personal adversity, the sport provides a vital outlet and community for individuals like John Dorr and Julie Sisley.
For them, pickleball isn’t just a game but a means to stay active and engaged, offering moments of joy and camaraderie amidst life’s challenges. Smith’s inclusive clinics empower participants to embrace the court, showing resilience and breaking down barriers between disabled and able-bodied players alike, fostering unity and competitive spirit in a welcoming environment.
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