Queensland’s senior population is embracing the growing trend of pickleball, a dynamic amalgamation of Tennis, Table Tennis, and Badminton. During Queensland Seniors Month in October, the Queensland Government’s Department of Tourism, Innovation, and Sport showcased its support for the Yeppoon Pickleball Festival held earlier in the year.

The festival received a financial boost of $24,950 from the Queensland Government, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility. The event featured the Seniors Slam, a highlight where 93 players aged 50 and beyond, up to the age of 70, showcased their pickleball skills on a proficiency scale ranging from 2.0 to 4.0. Pickleball’s versatility and adaptability make it an inclusive game, inviting players of diverse abilities to participate.

Beyond competition, the Seniors Slam offered a lively atmosphere with nightly social events, fostering camaraderie among like-minded individuals. The festival also featured a Coaching Clinic, providing players with an opportunity to enhance their skills and deepen their appreciation for this rapidly growing sport. Additionally, the festival hosted a leg of the Queensland Pickleball Tour, linking the local event with a broader movement across the region.

Despite occasional challenges posed by light rain, players cherished the beautiful weather that graced the outdoor pickleball courts throughout the weekend. Participants praised the event, expressing gratitude for its inclusion in the state-wide Pickleball Tour. The Seniors Slam not only enriched the festival but also underscored pickleball’s universal appeal, transcending age and ability. Queensland Seniors Month was aptly celebrated through this event, epitomizing vitality, friendship, and the joy of embracing new adventures, reaffirming that pickleball is more than just a game—it’s a welcoming community, extending its arms to seniors.

Read the full article here.

Photo Courtesy Queensland Government | Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport

Courtesy Queensland Government | Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport