This article was submitted by Bob Cook-Abbott
The PAO were invited to provide an introduction to the game of pickleball to a group of Grade 7/8’s at Langton Public School in Fenelon Falls recently. The local Fenelon Falls Pickleball Club were also asked to attend and help make the day fun for all. Special thanks to Teresa Beggs, teacher (and I fear a future pickleball addict!) for seeking out help to introduce this great game to the school.
I know that the PAO folks had a great time, and saw evidence that the students were also having fun, learning quickly, and keen to get on the courts and try the game. Four separate classes were conducted with plenty of one-on-one support available. It was rewarding to see how quickly the students learned the basics of the game – having noticed a particular student with great hand / eye coordination I encouraged him to learn to bounce ball on alternate sides AND on thin edge of paddle – 5 minutes later he showed me how to do it!!
Teresa Beggs later commented “What a great day! Lots of students are asking “when do we play again?”
A extra special treat for us as visitors was to be greeted by some of the students on arrival, be given a tour of the school AND to be served a wonderful lunch by a different group of students. Thank you to both the students and staff for making us feel so welcome!
A big thank you to Joseline Sikorski, (MC and “Honorary Principal for a day”), Roy Wilson, Anne Robertson and the folks from Fenelon Falls Pickleball Club for joining us for another great day.
