Pickleball is rising in popularity. It’s easy to learn, great for people of all ages and abilities and was created with fun in mind – making it the perfect activity for your attendees.
While golf and other sports are still popular, not everyone is interested in such activities. Pickleball, on the other hand, is relatively easy to take up since it combines many activities that are already familiar to most people; badminton, tennis and ping pong. Existing tennis courts can easily be converted into Pickleball courts and equipment is inexpensive.
People who play LOVE it! It’s super fun and a bit addictive! The sport allows for various team tactics, lobbing strategies and even spin shots – but does not incite the same sort of angst and frustration as a game of golf has been known to do. It’s a great cardio workout, but does not overextend. It is competitive, but does not attract hot-heads. It allows for plenty of good-hearted social interaction. On top of all this, every age can play and play together. A 10-year-old can easily be matched up with or play against a 70 something, and every age in between.
Recently Missouri Meetings and Events Magazine talked with John Callahan of Callahan Pickleball Academy. John attended the Missouri Travel Council’s Missouri Sports Travel Exchange in order to connect with potential “destinations that could host competitive events in the future.” John has watched the USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) membership grow 650% since 2013. He knows firsthand the popularity of the sport as he is being kept quite busy as a Certified Pickleball Professional. John provides pickleball lessons, organizes cooperate pickleball events and just also happens to be the 2019 US Open Pickleball Championship Gold Medal Winner. He knows his stuff!
Resorts are picking up the pickleball racquet. Get your game on at Coronado Island Marriot Resort & Spa, Palmetto Dunes, Club Med, Velas Vallarta and many more. These resorts are reporting sold out events! Group bookings are generating favorable revenue, so much so that such destinations are planning on adding more courts for play.
Why is it called Pickleball? Well, there are a few stories as to the origination of the sport and name. But no matter who started it or why it is called what it’s called, one thing is for sure – pickleball is hot. Consider it as a bonding activity for your next meeting!
