Pickleball Camp at Hurley YMCA: Pickleball’s appeal spans generations, captivating players of all ages with its myriad health benefits. Whether young or old, enthusiasts across demographics are drawn to this sport, making it a favorite for promoting physical fitness and well-being. Salisbury’s Hurley YMCA recently broke new ground by introducing pickleball to local youth through a vibrant summer camp.
Introducing Pickleball to the Next Generation
In Salisbury, the Hurley YMCA recently hosted a groundbreaking pickleball camp aimed at introducing young athletes to this rapidly growing sport. Despite its traditional association with seniors. Renowned for its vibrant community spirit, showcased a new facet of its athletic landscape with a recent pickleball camp at the Hurley YMCA. While traditionally considered a sport for seniors, the camp shattered stereotypes by attracting 29 enthusiastic children, far surpassing initial expectations.
Community Support and Volunteerism
David Post, a dedicated pickleball player and Salisbury City Council member, expressed delight at the camp’s success, noting the involvement of a dozen local volunteers. “The kids really took to it,” Post remarked, reflecting on the week-long event where campers immersed themselves in drills and skill-building exercises.
“The last day, Friday, was fun, The best pay you can get is some kid saying it was fun. The kids really did not want to leave. On Friday, we had a little one-point tournament where everybody was playing at the same time.”
– (David Post )
Celebration and Recognition
The camp concluded with a celebratory awards ceremony, where participants received medals and enjoyed treats from Kona Ice. Scott Ludwick, Salisbury’s recreation specialist, praised the volunteers’ commitment to imparting their love for pickleball to the younger generation.
“There were a lot of volunteers, I don’t think people realize that these are people who come out to volunteer to work with us and it’s like people who play every day.”- (Scott Ludwick)
As pickleball continues to transcend age barriers, Ludwick emphasized its physical and mental benefits. “There is a lot of movement in pickleball,” Ludwick mentioned. “There is also a lot of skill. It’s also on the mental side, you have to understand the game and remember the rules.”
With the camp’s resounding success, plans are underway to expand next year’s program, aiming to accommodate up to 40 eager young players. As Ludwick aptly put it, “Pickleball is now all ages,” Ludwick said. “That was the concept behind the camp.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Camp at Hurley YMCA
Salisbury’s inaugural pickleball camp at Hurley YMCA was a resounding success, engaging 29 children in skill-building exercises and ending in a spirited tournament. Organized with strong community support and volunteer efforts, the camp showcased pickleball’s appeal beyond its traditional demographic. Participants received medals and enjoyed treats, marking a memorable conclusion to an event that promises to expand its reach in future years, further promoting pickleball as a sport for all ages.
Also Read: Pulaski Elementary School’s First Pickleball Open Tournament
