Wheelchair Pickleball Now a Competitive Event at the 2024 USA Nationals
Last Edited
Sep 13 2024
Category
News
The wheelchair pickleball event at USA Pickleball Nationals used to be classified as an exhibition event – a nod to the accessibility pickleball is known for, but not quite in the spotlight.
Now, USAP announced wheelchair divisions as part of the competition at this year's event. Come November, wheelchair players will get the same chance to compete for medals during Nationals.
“We’re committed to making pickleball accessible to everyone,” says Justin Maloof, Chief Competition Officer at USAP.
USAP says they engaged with the community for about a year to understand the appetite for an adaptive version of the sport.
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"Part of our mission at USA Pickleball is to ensure pickleball is for all. Which means ensuring the sport is accessible and equitable for everyone, including varying abilities of players," says Meredith Painter, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing.
"For nearly a year, the USA Pickleball competition team has been engaged with the wheelchair pickleball community. Through meetings, input from the community and feedback, we’ve crafted a competition we’re excited to offer."
Adaptive play will take place November 9-11. No previous competition experience is necessary, and registration is open through September 30th.
Athletes will also receive more than just court time. Practice courts and plenty of space for friends and family to cheer from the sidelines will also be provided for participants.
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Registrants will also receive a premium pickleball gift, aluminum bag tag, USA Pickleball Nationals commemorative pin and partner giveaways.
Those interested may register via USAP's Nationals website.
USAP says they're looking at potentially expanding wheelchair options into some of their future events, such as USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournaments.
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