Greater Than Three Outreach, a non-profit founded in November 2024, hosted an adaptive pickleball clinic in Abilene to provide an inclusive sports experience for people with mobility challenges. The event brought together players of all abilities to enjoy the fast-growing sport and build community.
Creating Community Through Adaptive Sports
The clinic, led by pickleball professional Gary Range, aimed to make sports accessible for people with spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, and limb loss. The event allowed participants to try pickleball in an adaptive setting, where wheelchair accessibility and specialized techniques were emphasized.
Founder Heidei Wachtel highlighted the importance of offering sports as a means for people to regain their identity and build community.
“It’s all about introducing adaptive sports to people with spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, limb loss, an opportunity for them to build community and get back into sports again. I’m already seeing exactly what I hope. I see people out of their houses, outside playing sports, building community, smiling, failing, trying something new. That’s the whole goal.” – (Wachtel)
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Building Connections and Social Support
Wachtel noted that playing adaptive sports can help participants overcome isolation, especially after life-changing injuries.
“These are all people who are cognitively intact. They had jobs. They had lives before this. You lose a lot of your identity when you have an injury or something. Being able to bring a community together, it enhances the social factor because it’s a comfortable community.” – (Wachtel)
“Being around other people who are similar to you and understand, and then having so many great volunteers who are willing to learn about it, it removes the isolation factor, which is a big problem after people have a life-changing injury.” – (Wachtel)
A Personal Experience on the Court
Gary Range shared his experience of coaching wheelchair pickleball.
“It’s a big difference, and it’s a little bit more hand-eye coordination. It’s a great experience for me. I don’t get to see this very often, so I’m hoping there’ll be more players like this who come out here to play.” – (Gary Range)
Participant Cal Titus found the clinic rewarding.
“Just knowing my limited mobility, I felt different, but I didn’t know how it would go. It went a lot better than I thought. Anything’s possible for anyone. Even with limited mobility, you can still get out here and play just like anybody else. It is awesome. I’m grateful for this experience.” – (Cal Titus)
Looking to the Future
Greater Than Three Outreach plans to hold more adaptive pickleball events monthly. The organization is actively raising funds to secure adaptable equipment and schedule additional clinics, expanding its reach to more participants.
News in Brief: Adaptive Pickleball Clinic
Greater Than Three Outreach, a non-profit in Abilene, hosted an adaptive pickleball clinic for people with mobility challenges. The pickleball event, led by professional Gary Range, aimed to build community and provide accessible sports opportunities. Future clinics are planned as the organization raises funds for adaptable equipment.
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