We covered the story of Sandy Halkett in an article on PickleballUnion back in June. Sandy formed the nonprofit Adaptive Pickleball (APB) in 2020.
Serving the greater upstate South Carolina area, it allows people of all ages and challenges to experience the thrill of pickleball, improve their physical fitness, and enjoy the benefits the socializing can bring.
The Greenville Hot Shots
Now Sandy reports that Greenville, South Carolina, has made history by creating its first Special Olympics pickleball team: “This is a brand new sport for the Special Olympics, and Greenville now has its very first team: The Greenville Hot Shots,”
The Hot Shots are currently practicing for the Foot Solutions Greenville County Smash that runs from October 4th to 8th, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Adaptive wheelchairs are more than $3,000 each, Halkett said, so they need all the help they can find.
The Round Robin Rumble Pickleball Tournament.
Further to this, Adaptive Pickleball is organizing a charity fundraiser called The Round Robin Rumble Pickleball Tournament.
If you would like to sign up or be a sponsor, click here. Registration for participation ends October 6th.
The Rumble will adopt a round-robin format, open to players of all ages and proficiency levels, offering categories in mixed doubles, women’s, and men’s doubles.
Registration stands at $50 for the initial event and $10 for the second event. It’s worth noting that registration fees are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS guidelines.
The 3.0/3.5 divisions will use the Franklin X-40 ball, while the 4.0/4.5/5.0 divisions will play with the DuraFast 40 ball.
Adaptive Pickleball
Effective Participation
Adaptive Pickleball is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with diverse abilities through engaging in the enjoyable, social, and competitive sport of pickleball. This initiative provides instruction for those facing physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges on how to participate effectively in pickleball.
Under the guidance of Sandy Halkett and her team of dedicated volunteer coaches, pickleball is utilized as a form of therapeutic intervention. Participants not only witness improvements in their physical fitness but also forge new connections and savor the excitement of competitive play.
The Broader Upstate South Carolina Region
Adaptive Pickleball is an accredited 501c3 nonprofit organization that extends its services to the broader Upstate South Carolina region.
Their commitment lies in extending pickleball’s physical and social advantages to individuals with diverse abilities across the Upstate South Carolina region.
Through their regular hosting of free Pickleball Play Days, they cater to adaptive players of all ages. For many, these sessions serve as a form of recreational therapy. Meanwhile, they offer an outlet for their athletic spirit for those with a more competitive edge.
Bring Forth More Smiles
Witnessing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and feeling the genuine affection during each Pickleball Play Day drives them to amplify the influence of Adaptive Pickleball.
Their aim is simple: to bring forth more smiles, laughter, and love through this inclusive sport.
2023 impact as of June 30: 25 Play Days | 275 Participants | 206 Adaptive Players | 69 Military Players | 72 Sport Chairs Used | 1,000,000+ Smiles
Gaining Insights
APB is emerging as a frontrunner in the adaptive sports community. Various organizations are reaching out to APB to gain insights into our procedures and exemplary approaches, seeking to initiate their own adaptive pickleball programs.
These inquiries extend to regions such as Ontario (Canada), Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Chicago, and numerous other cities and states, marking the growing recognition of APB’s expertise and influence in the field.
