Wayne Roswell brings new sport to Scugog's seniors
Oct 07, 2009 - 03:08 PM
By Emily-Rose Gibbons
SCUGOG -- Pickleball is on the rise in Scugog, thanks in part to promoter Wayne Roswell who recently introduced the sport to Port Perry's seniors.
Mr. Roswell introduced the game of pickleball to the Port Perry Senior Club on Sept. 24, where the group was first told the general rules of the game. Then they had the opportunity to participate in a few rounds, learning some pickleball lingo along the way.
One of Mr. Roswell's favourite pickleball quotes, "No big dill," caused chuckles to erupt across the courts.
The creation of pickleball dates back to 1965, in Bainbridge Island, Washington. A group of family and friends wanted to construct a new, fun sport for the entire family to play. Originally, the game was called Pickles' ball, after the family's dog, Pickles, developed an interest in stealing the ball during games. Eventually the name evolved to pickleball, as it is known today.
The sport is often described as a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played with solid, wind-resistant rackets, a whiffle-like ball and a low-sitting net, the game is a mixture of different sports.
Rule-wise, pickleball is very simple. The game begins with an underhand serve and points are awarded when a player hits the ball out of the area or doesn't return the ball back. The winner is the team that manages to get 11 points first.
"One great thing about pickleball is that you don't have to be athletic to participate," Mr. Roswell pointed out, using himself as an example. "Pickleball is a good way for all age groups to get exercise. Its slow-paced nature makes it appealing at every age."
Not only is pickleball great for your health, there are also definite social benefits said Mr. Roswell. "It's a fun, social way of getting exercise," he said. "You're always chatting and laughing with your partner."
The Port Perry pickleball group will continue to play on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon in the Scugog Community Centre, 1655 Reach St.
For more information, visit
www.pickleballcanada.org.
Emily-Rose Gibbons is a Grade 11 student at Port Perry High School. She is currently working as a co-op student with The Star.
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