Pickleball Program for Special Olympians: A new pickleball program for Special Olympic athletes in New Hampshire is thriving, offering both physical and social benefits. Launched in the summer of 2023 at the Exeter Area YMCA, the program is the result of years of work by Dorothy DiBona, a USA Pickleball Ambassador, and local coach Jim Tufts.
DiBona, who has taught special needs children, saw the potential of pickleball for athletes with disabilities. After becoming a USA Pickleball Ambassador eight years ago, she worked for nearly two years to secure a venue for the program. The YMCA in Exeter was the perfect fit, and once it was secured, the program took off.
“Throughout my career, I witnessed firsthand the power of sports and physical activity in the lives of people with disabilities. Recognizing the social and physical benefits of pickleball, I wanted to become more involved.” – (DiBona)
Support from Volunteers and Coaches
Along with DiBona, Jim Tufts, a local coach with decades of experience working with Special Olympians, played a key role in the program’s success. Tufts, who has been involved with Special Olympics New Hampshire for years, brought his expertise in teaching sports to athletes with disabilities.
DiBona and Tufts were joined by several volunteers, including Anne Cloutier, Don Cloutier, Kerry Weidner, and Wendy Larson, all of whom contributed to the program’s growth and success.
The Benefits of Pickleball
The pickleball program has already shown great success, with players improving their skills and enjoying the social aspects of the sport. “Each and every one of them who has played regularly, their skills have improved dramatically,” said Tufts. The participants, who range in age from 20 to 45, now enjoy playing unified matches alongside volunteers.
Tufts pointed out that pickleball’s hand-eye coordination benefits make it an ideal activity for Special Olympians. “The social interaction is just as important,” he added. “It really is a fun group.” The pickleball community has embraced the program, with participants interacting and supporting each other.
Looking Ahead
As the program continues to grow, its impact on Special Olympians is clear. In the summer of 2024, two athletes from the program, Preston Saunders and Max Blackwin, competed in a Special Olympics Massachusetts tournament in Andover. Their participation in the unified tournament provided a positive experience, showcasing the power of sports to bring people together.
“During the summer (of 2024), two of our athletes, Preston Saunders and Max Blackwin, played in a tournament in Andover (Massachusetts) that was sponsored by Special Olympics Massachusetts. It was a unified tournament, so they were paired with a partner and had a very positive experience.” – (Tufts)
The success of the program highlights the importance of accessible sports programs for individuals with disabilities and shows how pickleball can play a role in enhancing their lives.
News in Brief: Pickleball Program for Special Olympians
The pickleball program for Special Olympians at the Exeter Area YMCA in New Hampshire, launched in the summer of 2023, is thriving. Founded by USA Pickleball Ambassador Dorothy DiBona and local coach Jim Tufts, the program has helped athletes improve their skills while offering valuable social interaction.
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