The Summer Olympics in Paris are in full swing. The gymnasts are defying gravity, the swimmers are moving like beautiful dolphins through the water and the power lifters are lifting weights close to that of small automobiles.
In the United States, another Olympics of sorts is underway as the state level Senior Games are held to determine which finalists over the age of 50 will move on to the national Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2025. We are heavily involved in the local Senior Games through sponsorships and company volunteerism. It’s always an amazing and fun time to come out and watch those who are getting older put on some pretty impressive athletic demonstrations in everything from track and field to bocce ball.
Pickleball is an extremely popular sport during the Senior Games. Truthfully, Pickleball is a cultural phenomenon sweeping the nation. A game invented in a family’s garage in Bainbridge Island, Wash., in 1965 and named after the family dog, Pickles, who stole the wiffle ball every chance he got.
Why isn’t pickleball in the Olympics? If the Winter Olympics can have a sport that can be played professionally by a 60-year-old with a beer can in one hand like curling, shouldn’t pickleball be added to the summer games? A quick review of the sports being played in Paris this year reveals badminton, flag football, speed rock climbing and (brace yourselves) breakdancing.
A strong case can be made for adding pickleball to future Summer Games. LeBron James and Tom Brady have purchased professional pickleball teams. It won’t be long before shoe companies and large cable TV conglomerates put their names on pickleball stadiums. Wimbledon will be under pressure to “sacrifice” some of its courts to the new line schemes and net heights needed for pickleball. Statements like “stay out of the kitchen” and “0-0-1” will be as well-known to the masses as the perfect 10 in gymnastics.
This year, many of our employees volunteered a few days at Senior Games pickleball tournaments in their areas. A water jug was spotted with the words “Tears of my Pickleball Opponents” written on the side.
The skill and fierce competitiveness of the players ages 50 to 90 is no joke. The type and quality of the wiffle ball being used was debated. “These holes are too big; this in an indoor ball,” was grumbled between matches. Husbands and wives choose different mixed doubles partners to maintain marital harmony. The singles crowd shows up to flirt and cheer for their crush from the bleachers. It reminded me of my middle school years. The skill displayed by this generation of players could easily bring a twenty-something opponent to tears for the above-mentioned water jug.
Pickleball belongs in the Olympics. Let’s put the International Olympic Committee on notice to prepare for the tsunami of gray-haired athletes who will define the sport for generations to come. Stock up on the Bio-freeze.
Are you interested in learning how to play pickleball? The best place to start looking is your area parks and recreation department’s website. Local senior centers and community centers are also offering lessons and drop-in game opportunities in many areas as well. Check them out to find many more options for ways to remain active and enjoy better health and social connections at the same time.