A national champion wheelchair athlete is set to bring one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports to the Isle of Wight, with a special taster session planned for June.
Wheelchair pickleball will be introduced at West Wight Sports and Community Centre on 13th June, led by English national champion Simon Heaps.
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, played on a badminton-sized court with a modified net using paddles and a lightweight plastic ball. It can be played as singles or doubles.
Simon, who lost his leg to diabetes at the age of 52, has gone on to become a British wheelchair table tennis international and an English pickleball champion.
Simon Heaps, Wheelchair Pickleball Champion, has said:
“I am greatly looking forward to meeting and playing pickleball with residents of the Isle of Wight.
“This sport, the second biggest growth sport after padel is showing how it can be available to disabled athletes.
“Compared to other sports, it is relatively cheap, and the rewards of playing and competing are immense.
Article continues below this advertisement “Our governing body, Pickleball England, are fully behind growing this aspect of the sport and make it available to all regardless of age or disability.”
The sport allows disabled and able-bodied players to compete together, with only minor rule adjustments required.
The visit is being supported by Wightlink, as part of efforts to encourage greater participation in inclusive sport.
Sam Woodman, Partnerships Marketing Manager at Wightlink, has said:
“We are pleased to support this visit. It is important for physical and mental wellbeing that people with disabilities get the chance to get involved in sports such as pickleball.”
West Wight Sports and Community Centre has become a hub for pickleball on the Isle of Wight, with growing interest from players of all ages.
Clare Griffin, Manager at West Wight Sports and Community Centre, has said:
“After the success of our wheelchair basketball taster earlier this year, we are pleased to offer another sport to people with disabilities.”
Wheelchair users interested in taking part in the session can book by contacting the centre directly on 01983 752168 or email [email protected].
