The fastest-growing sport: Pickleball seeks an Alzheimer's audience
LeBron James does it. Bill Gates does it. So does George Clooney. Now Ms. Jean of Littleton is hoping some specific Coloradans will join her in the sport.
The pickleball craze has not relented in the U.S. – and Colorado in particular – and some dedicated volunteers are hoping to build a new following: people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Jean is one of those who has joined the throng. The difference is that she is part of a unique program that is open only to Coloradans living with memory loss or early-stage dementia.
“Many folks with memory issues continue to be very athletic and need avenues to participate in physical activities,” said Chris Beal, who helped found the Simplified Pickleball program. “Many mainstream sports are often too intimidating and fast-paced so we invented this ‘simple version’ that takes all the stress and worry out of the non-essential parts of the pickleball game.”
Open to any memory-impaired players, Simplified Pickleball is held from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays at the Charles Whitlock Recreation Center, 1555 Dover St., Lakewood. Participation is free.
The volunteers who staff the program are led by Joanna Diers of Littleton, who experienced the disease as a caregiver for her mother.
“My mom had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 15 years before she finally passed from the disease,” said Diers. “As a result, I have an understanding of the effects of the disease and a heart for its victims and their caregivers.”
A devoted pickleball player herself, Diers shared her interest in exposing the Alzheimer’s community to the sport, and a group of her fellow players jumped at the chance to help.
“Not only are they dedicated to playing pickleball, they each thrive on bringing fun and movement to others who may not have the opportunity otherwise,” said Diers.
One of the volunteers brought the program to the attention of the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado, which helps promote the program to its clients.
“Pickleball is a great sport for the men and women who work with us at the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Meg Donahue, director of Community Engagement for the Colorado chapter. “This program is the perfect combination of good exercise and great fun with a group of friends.”
To register for Simplified Pickleball, click
here or call the Alzheimer’s Association’s free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.