About

Pickleball is rapidly becoming one of the most popular sports in North America

This dynamic sport is set to make its debut as an exhibition event at the 2025 Special Olympics Summer Games in Brantford, Ontario. The excitement surrounding this development is palpable, as it signifies a major step forward in increasing the visibility and inclusivity of pickleball.

 

The initiative “Pickleball for a Cause” plays a crucial role in this endeavor. All proceeds from these events will directly support Special Olympics Ontario, furthering their mission to provide comprehensive opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. This includes not only fostering the growth of pickleball as a sport but also ensuring that Special Olympics athletes across the province have access to venues and programs where they can learn and enjoy playing pickleball.

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Helping the cause

By contributing to this cause, supporters are helping to build a more inclusive sporting community. This initiative is about more than just the game; it's about creating an environment where athletes of all abilities can thrive, learn, and participate in pickleball. This movement is paving the way for more inclusive sports opportunities, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and community support in the world of athletics.

Interesting facts about pickleball

Origins and Growth:

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — on Bainbridge Island, Washington. They created the game as a fun activity for their families during the summer. Since then, it has grown exponentially in popularity, especially in North America, due to its simple rules and appeal to players of all ages.

Court and Equipment:

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net. The game utilizes a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. The smaller court size and slower ball speed make pickleball accessible to people of all fitness levels and ages, contributing to its widespread popularity.

Unique Name:

The origin of the name "pickleball" is often attributed to two different stories. One story suggests that the game was named after Joel Pritchard's dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball during the game. The other theory is that the name came from the term "pickle boat," which refers to the last boat to return with its catch in rowing, indicating a mix of different elements, much like how pickleball combines aspects of various racket sports.
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What is Law Enforcement Torch Run?

The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known honourably as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions and into Special Olympics Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. Worldwide annually, more than 97,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.

What is Special Olympics?

Special Olympics is the world’s largest organization dedicated to providing developmental, recreational and competitive sport programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics movement now comprises over 172 countries, facilitating year-round opportunities that empower 4.5 million youth and adult athletes worldwide at local, regional and national levels.