Echuca-Moama Pickleball’s come and try event last week attracted over 50 people. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
The idea was to encourage intergenerational involvement.
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And when you hear this anecdote from president Gail Miller, it seems Echuca-Moama Pickleball’s come and try event last Wednesday worked just as intended.
“There was a grandmother there. I asked her if she was going to play, and she said, ‘No, I'll just watch,’" she said.
“By the end of it she was up playing, and playing really well.”
Over 50 attendees at Echuca Stadium, ranging from as young as five to as old as 75, enhanced the sport’s reputation as one of the fastest growing in the area.
As with the likes of bowls, golf, table tennis, or bocce (to name a few), pickleball can be played at any age.
It also offers the opportunity to escape from the grit and grind of everyday life and its toughest moments.
“We’ve got many people who come up from Melbourne, and all of a sudden their husband or wife has died, some tragedy has hit the family, and pickleball allows them to come and be carefree for a couple of hours,” Miller said.
“They can be as serious as they want, or just have fun, hit the ball, and be able to talk to people.”
The mental health benefits are why Echuca Regional Health decided to get involved.
Supporting the event meant boosting social connection and cohesion.
And the community is set to gain more from the new ERH-pickleball partnership.
“I reached out to them when I became president,” Miller said.
“We have many ideas, like wanting to go to schools and get them involved.
“Most of us are older, but the sport is fantastic and needs to involve a younger generation.
“So we were talking about parents dropping their kids off to school and then playing pickleball.
“Also stay-at-home mums who are very socially isolated with their little bubs, they could come along, and we provide them with support.”
Jill Oliver stoops low for the shot.
Ned Hunter hits an underarm shot.
Abigail Lonard watches the ball over the net.
Lyn Park hits it on the move.
The nine courts at Echuca Stadium were filled out on the day.
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