For the first time at a UPA sanctioned tournament, the PPA Tour offered a Wheelchair Doubles event at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships. 

Taking place on Nov. 4, the 10 players hit the grandstand court after a rain delay and relocation to indoor courts, they played in a round robin tournament. 

“It means a lot to play here today,” said Taylor Nichols, wheelchair pickleball athlete and adaptive pickleball coordinator for Chicken N Pickle. 

“There’s a lot of people that have advocated for it and it’s taken a lot of hard work for us to get on a recognizable tour like this. For me, as an adaptive athlete, I think this is the next step to get us as a regular division in some of the bigger tournaments. And honestly, I want to thank the PPA and everyone involved for making this happen,” continued Nichols. 

Nichols has firsthand seen the incredible growth of adaptive pickleball divisions and is one of the sport’s biggest advocates. Awareness is key when it comes to growing the adaptive and wheelchair divisions. And the more people in the stands watching the action, talking about it, and sharing the joy of the sport at the biggest tournament of the year is a huge step. 

This marks a major step in continuing the growth of pickleball and increasing inclusivity at every level. Pickleball is truly for all.