By Teri Bartelt, Editor/Publisher of the Greater Waukesha Area Pickleball eNewsletter
“We need old friends to help us grow old and new friends to help us stay young”
I had the opportunity to attend the Ribbon Cutting & Opening Ceremony for the Lake Country Pickleball Club’s new courts in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin last month. The turn-out was amazing and I was so proud of the board members for all their hard work, dedication, and advocacy to bring these beautiful courts to the community of Oconomowoc.
During the ceremony, I took a step back and suddenly had an epiphany! I agree that the new courts, the complex, and their vision of growth are impressive but even more moving and touching was seeing all of the relationships that have formed because of Lake Country Pickleball Club. Friendships and connections from playing a game of pickleball. The smiles, handshakes, hugs, laughter, and banter were seen and heard before the start of the Opening Ceremony and again after the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony concluded. Friendships and relationships that, obviously, extend beyond the pickleball court.
As we age, many studies show the significant benefits of regular, safe, physical activity to prevent injury and illness. There are also many studies that support the importance and benefits of brain stimulation from social relationships to prevent cognitive decline.
Having strong social ties are important to promoting positive health behaviors.
So, to all the Lake Country Board Members, Community Park & Rec Directors, Pickleball Coordinators, Club Pickleball Organizers/Coordinators, Pickleball Instructors, and any one else that helps to coordinate Pickleball Events… WOW! I hope you can see that not only are you helping to get community members physically active, you are creating and nurturing friendships and relationships essential for continued positive mental health, mental stimulation, and wellness! Your work goes well beyond the courts and into the hearts, souls, and pickleball-formed friendships of your players/members. You have worked hard to bring and maintain the physical activity and sport of pickleball within our local communities, but you have also given us gifts of friendship and personal connections amongst the players. And for that … THANK YOU!!
Now, Get Out and Play Pickleball! Let’s Go Dink Around Waukesha County!
Pickleball Points 