Pickleball Cancer Survivor Wellness Program: A pilot study at the YMCA Suncoast in Tampa showed that playing pickleball greatly improved the physical and emotional health of cancer survivors. The project, called Project Rally, was created by Nathan Parker, an assistant member of the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior at Moffitt Cancer Center.
How the Program Started
Nathan Parker said the idea came from pickleball’s rising popularity among older adults.
“Project Rally really just emerged as a result of seeing the wave of pickleball popularity, particularly among older adults, and thinking about that as a unique and fun way to get more people engaged and active,” Parker told WMNF.
He organized 18 cancer survivors along with their family and friends to meet and play pickleball at the YMCA.
Results of the Program
Parker said the games were fun and not too competitive.
“It was awesome. I mean, from a physical standpoint, you know, they didn’t take it too seriously, which was, sort of the goal of the program. They saw it as an opportunity to socialize and to be more active,” Parker said.
The results showed major health benefits. Survivors increased their weekly physical activity by more than 80 minutes on average. They also reported stronger social connections and enjoyed more companionship through exercise.
“A lot of the feedback we got was, you know, can we keep this going? Can we continue? I have this group of friends that I’ve made,” Parker said.
Looking Ahead
Although the study has ended, a group of participants still play together regularly. Parker hopes to expand the program next year at several YMCA locations if grant funding is secured.
Why It Matters
The study showed how a simple sport like pickleball can help survivors stay active while building friendships. If expanded, Project Rally could bring even more support and health benefits to cancer survivors across Tampa and beyond.
News in Brief: Pickleball Cancer Survivor Wellness Program
Project Rally, a Tampa YMCA pickleball study led by Nathan Parker of Moffitt Cancer Center, improved cancer survivors’ health and social lives. Survivors increased weekly exercise by 80 minutes and gained stronger support networks. Parker hopes to expand the program to more YMCA sites next year with grant funding.
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