Submitted by Bob Cook-Abbott
On March 2 and 9, 2016 a group of PAO members from the Durham area provided 2 classes of Grade 8 students with an introduction to the game of pickleball.
Teacher, Kristy Pomeroy said after the first session: “Thank you all so very much for helping us organize Pickleball at St. Matthew. The students LOVED yesterday’s session, they are abuzz today with stories of yesterday’s activities. We are looking forward to playing games next week -the competitive spirit is in them already! We can’t wait for Wednesday, thanks again”. We certainly experienced a high level of involvement. The students were kept active and had lots of touch time. The best indication of interest was at recess time when students asked if they could play with us – and of course we then ALL had a great time!!
Thank you to Bill Gohn, (MC), Roy Wilson, Joseline Sikorski, Joan Archer, Anne Robertson and Anne Evans for joining me for a great experience. Also a big shout out to Kristy who “volunteered” to participate in a short game much to the amusement of students and PAO folks alike, and managed a hard earned draw in her first ever game!
I encourage our PAO membership to find opportunities to introduce children to this great game. Contact the PAO if needed and perhaps we will be able to assist in finding volunteers in your area.
QUOTES for participants included:
- I learned that it was more fun than going on my phone. That took a lot to do. Thank you!
- I enjoyed incredibly that we were able to learn by doing and trying something new….
- At the beginning, we all thought it would be a boring game because it was played by elders. I would like to join the Pickleball Association of Ontario
- I found it was good to learn new things because you may like it and I LOVED pickleball
