AN increasingly popular sport known as Pickleball is on its way to Beaudesert, with a come and try demonstration to be held this month.
Mundoolun resident Wayne Jackson resolved to introduce the sport closer to home after his brother Ron launched Pickleball in the Redlands with resounding success.
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton, played with a paddle and perforated ball.
Jackson said the sport was particularly helpful for people with injuries or age-related limitations.
"It's low impact, you can run but you don't have to, so it's great way for people like me who have dodgy knees to stay active," he said.
"Most of all it's great fun and a very social game that can also be a very competitive game.
"It has taken off in a huge way over the the US and there has been talk of making it an Olympic sport.
"It's the fastest growing sport in the world."
Jackson said Pickleball was for people of any age or ability and not just for those who had played tennis.
"My 13-year-old grandson, who plays a high standard of tennis, absolutely loves playing Pickleball." he said.
"But you don't have to be a tennis player to do well at Pickleball."
Jackson said games lasted 11 minutes and were played on a compact court either indoors or out.
He said if Beaudesert were to have a PCYC, it would be a perfect facility to play Pickleball.
"At Ormiston we play in the undercover area at the school and if we get inclement weather we just move it indoors to the school hall," he said.
"If there's a PCYC built we could definitely fit in with that."
Mr Jackson said he had received positive feedback from Beaudesert residents interested in trying the sport after an article appeared in the Beaudesert Times. He said the come and try event was the next step to establishing the sport in town.
"People here are going to love it," Jackson said.
'So anyone who wants to try it, get out your Dunlop Volleys and come and have a hit."
The Pickball come and try event will start at 5pm on November 24.
To find out more, contact Wayne Jackson on on 0421 204 084 or email wayne@firstaid4life.com.au.
