In 2024, there were an estimated 19.8 million pickleball players across the US, including here in Wyoming.
Pickleball has become a rallying sport accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball and Sports Complex, CEO, Sam Dia, says, "I think everyone can play this game because its multigenerational. The community can be involved by practicing at our facility.” Dia continues to explain that the complex will have youth programs for children between the ages of 7-15.
Casper resident, Tim Force, relishes his opportunity to play at the complex as a wheelchair athlete showing the community that pickleball is for everyone. Force explains, "They do some different rules for wheelchair players, they'll give you two bounces." Force continues, "I can have my front wheels in the kitchen just not my back wheels, and I don't want anyone to take it easy on anyone that plays in the wheelchair."
A strong community is growing in Casper with many people joining clubs and groups to both play and socialize with friends and family. Tim explains he started playing because he wanted to find something for him and his wife to do together. Force explains “When I played in the wheelchair I felt equal, I felt free, I felt like I could not be a problem but more a competitor."
Force also mentions the pickleball rules state that you don’t actually have to have a disability to play in a wheelchair. If someone is worried about playing because they have bad knees or are worried about injuring their back, this rule gives you the opportunity to still be able to play.
Dia, and Force both agree that pickleball is a very inviting and welcoming. A friendly and fun sport to be apart of. Force says, "The good thing about pickleball is it always offers another challenge and it's a good group of people." I asked Dia what advice he would give to any new players and he said “Practice, practice, practice... you have to do the drills to get the skills."
There are different kinds of memberships available at the complex and everyone is welcome. You can register online to be apart of the competitive or learning events they complex host or sign up for open play with friends and family.
Source: https://www.wyomingnewsnow.tv/community/local-sports-complex-shows-that-pickleball-is-for-everyone/article_3551bd5a-68c1-4473-a1be-d35ab44ad2b3.html