It’s World Pickleball Day, which means we need to halt all other activities, plans, and work obligations to properly celebrate the sport we love.

Pickleball has brought immeasurable joy into many people’s lives, myself included.

Here are some heartwarming testimonials from the Pickleball Facebook Forum.

The Pickleball Community

Some of the best friendships are made on the pickleball court. 

“Pickleball saves the world, it brings people together, strangers play with strangers, people quickly get to know each other and bond with each other. People stop playing for the safety and convenience of others to retrieve a ball. It’s healthy and a fun activity for all ages, so many people are gracious to beginners. And it’s fun,” said Wanda Melody Hoople. 

“I have more friends from playing pickleball the last year and a half than I’ve had the rest of my life times 10, and I’m 68,” said Kent Webb. 

“After my husband passed, I truly believe it saved my life. Exercise, new friends, something to look forward to. Before he did we taught our adult children to play and now they’re teaching their kids to play,” said Nancy Jackson Sava. 

The Ability to Play the Game at any Level, Age, and Ability

We all can play on the same court. 

“That I – as a non-athletic person – can play and really enjoy it,” said Eileen Bleik Leach. 

“We’ve been married for 54 years and sports have always been important in our marriage and brought us much joy. For various reasons, we gave up all these sports over the years as we age. We were introduced to pickleball two years ago and were so surprised to find a sport we loved as much as all the other sports we loved and find that we could learn easily and actually get better the more we played. Now, we’re 75 and 77 and we play four times a week. We never knew we would find a new sport we loved so much,” said Molly Heggen Bannister.

“That I could start a new sport in my 60s and get better at it,” said Mary Cleveland. 

“I love the range of people you meet on the court. From 10-year-olds to 85. We all play by the same rules and can compete together recreationally. So cool,” said Kirsten James.  

Getting Competitive Again 

So many former high school, college, and pro athletes have found joy in pickleball because it ignites their competitive drive again.   

“Now at 66, I can still compete in a sport, do well, and have so much fun. I played tennis my entire life and pickleball has allowed me to truly be competitive again,” said Denise Brooker. 

“The range of competitiveness I happily receive from it. Play with some newbies, cool. Play with some older vets, cool. Play with some bangers, cool. Play with some amazing players and get my butt kicked, cool. I love the variety,” said Michael J. Ox.  

Healthy Lifestyle

There are countless stories from pickleball players that share the incredibly positive impact pickleball has had on their health. Because it’s a sport anyone can play, it’s the perfect sport to get anyone and everyone up and moving.

“It’s an awesome exercise that doesn’t feel like a chore,” said Katie Cover.

“Pickleball has contributed to my life across so many areas. Joy, from playing and improving. Health, I lost almost 40lbs, blood sugar dropped below diabetic and may even go below pre-diabetic, improved cholesterol levels, blood pressure, triglycerides, stamina, back problems, etc,” said Dave Blickstein. 

Pickleball is a genuine source of happiness across the country.

Go out and play, and celebrate World Pickleball Day with a joyful game.