NYC Veteran Pickleball League Community: A new pickleball league for veterans has launched in New York City with the help of a $20,000 grant. The program, hosted at CityPickle in Wollman Rink, gives veterans a chance to connect while learning and playing one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.
Building Community Through Sports
The NYC Veteran Pickleball League was created through a partnership between Fordham University, Hostos Community College, and the University of Mount Saint Vincent. Funding came from the city’s Department of Veterans’ Services.
The grant covers three courts every other Friday for two hours, plus a coach to guide players. Veterans from all schools and backgrounds are welcome to participate.
Veterans Finding Connection
Adrian Kochanowicz, assistant director for the office of veterans services at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus, said events for veterans can often be difficult to organize.
“When we hold events for vets, it’s usually hard to get people to come in. Maybe it’s not for a particular individual; maybe there’s no interest. Maybe there’s no will to go, which happens, too.”(Adrian Kochanowicz)
Kochanowicz, a Marine Corps veteran, remembered the challenges of returning to school.
“For undergrad, I was 25 sitting with 18, 19 year olds,” ( Adrian Kochanowicz).
Creating spaces for veterans to bond, he explained, is essential.
That’s when the idea for a pickleball league was born.
“Pickleball is hot, so we’re going to do it too,” (Adrian Kochanowicz).
Players Share Their Experiences
The league has already drawn strong interest. “This is my first time,” said Creshawn Butler-Artis, a student at The New School, with a smile.
Others, like 65-year-old Air Force veteran Luke Alexander Jones, have become regulars.
“The city [doesn’t] have a lot of programs like this. And it’s always great meeting new people.”(Creshawn Butler Artis)
Support and Growth
Representatives from the James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Bronx have also visited the league to connect with players.
“Just to make sure they know what they’re doing and how to guide them in case they need anything,”(Samuel Cottes)
outreach coordinator for the center.
Cottes added that the league’s early success is impressive.
“Some veterans don’t like to leave their houses. Some veterans, due to the military trauma, don’t like to be around people. There’s a community coming together, talking, playing, competing. It’s something great to see.”
Looking Ahead
Because of the program’s popularity, Fordham University’s veteran leadership is exploring ways to keep the pickleball league running even after the grant ends.
News in Brief: NYC Veteran Pickleball League Community
The NYC Veteran Pickleball League launched with a $20,000 grant, offering free games at CityPickle in Wollman Rink. Organized by Fordham University, Hostos Community College, and the University of Mount Saint Vincent, the program helps veterans connect and build community. Leaders hope to make the league permanent.
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