Panama City Beach Pickleball Community: Pickleball is one of North America’s fastest-growing sports, celebrated each year on August 8 as National Pickleball Day. In 2025, the sport marks its 50th anniversary. The Panama City Beach Senior Center (PCB Senior Center) hosted events to honor this milestone, attracting players of all ages and skill levels.
A Growing Sport in Panama City Beach
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It has gained popularity for being easy to learn, low-cost, and suitable for all ages. Emily Pope, visiting from Georgia, shared how she grew to love pickleball despite initially preferring tennis.
“My parents started playing with some friends,”. “I didn’t want to play; I didn’t like it for a long time… I grew up playing tennis, and it was just different enough. I didn’t like playing because I wasn’t good at it yet. But then I had fun and fell in love with it.”(Emily Pope)
Community and Competition
Joe Wells, an avid pickleball player in Panama City Beach, enjoys the sport’s wide age range.
“I am 58, so I’ve seen 12-year-olds down here playing. I’ve seen 75-year-olds down here playing; so that’s another aspect in which I enjoy,”. “Hopefully, I will be able to play into that 70-something as well.”(Joe Wells)
Players appreciate pickleball for building community. Wells explained,
“There are a lot of people who have taught me. Everyone is really nice; that’s what I like about it because people are helpful.”,
“You meet new people, and everyone seems to be generally friendly, and that’s what I really like about the game and the pickleball community in general.”
While friendly, pickleball games can be competitive. Young players are reminded not to underestimate older players’ skills on the court.
The Future of Pickleball
Pickleball’s growth shows no signs of slowing. Its appeal as a low-impact, easy-to-learn sport makes it a popular choice in communities like Panama City Beach. The celebration of National Pickleball Day helps raise awareness and encourages more people to try the sport.
News in Brief: Panama City Beach Pickleball Community
Panama City Beach celebrated National Pickleball Day on August 8, marking the sport’s 50th anniversary in 2025. Players of all ages, including Emily Pope and Joe Wells, highlighted pickleball’s community spirit and accessibility. The sport’s growing popularity continues to bring people together through fun and friendly competition.
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