It’s the game that’s taking the world by storm and this Saturday, February 24, there is an opportunity for women over 55 to get in on the pickleball craze.

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic “wiffle ball” the game is easy to learn and can be less taxing on the body than tennis.

“I wanted to try and get older women to step out of their comfort zone a bit and play a new sport,” said Belinda Grieve, who is behind the “Come and Try” pickleball day at the PCYC Orange on Saturday morning.

Taking place between 9am and 12 noon, the day is open to any woman over the age of 55 who’d like to try the game for themselves or even just watch the demonstrations.

“They can come give it a go or just watch and then choose to give it a go. We've got four women from pickleball in Dubbo coming down to give some demos,” explained Belinda, who is new to the game herself.

“I think it's something slightly different, it's a bit wacky and hopefully we'll get a few women along and people suggesting to their mums and grandmas to give it a go,” she enthused.

The impetus for a women’s pickleball day came about after Belinda Grieve was selected to participate in the annual National Rural Women’s Coalition Muster in Canberra last year.

The Muster is a leadership program for rural, regional and remote women who are committed to improving the community they represent through a volunteer project.

“Orange has got a lot of sports available for younger people or fitter people — you know, football and netball and things like that, but pickleball’s not here yet and it's a sport that can be less strenuous…. it's a smaller court and there's less impact on your body,” Belinda explained.

“We all know that as we age, it’s helpful to keep moving. A nurse friend reminded me that

if you stop moving you die. Blunt but true. So the Pickleball project has been designed to

introduce older women to a sport that keeps us moving but is easier on the older knees and

hips. 

“But mainly to invite women who aren't stepping out much to come and try something a bit different. I want to combine fun with fitness and health and the benefits of social interaction for older people.”

The “Come and Try” pickleball day will be held this Saturday, February 24, 9am–12pm at the PCYC Orange.

Belinda is hoping for a good turnout that might lead to more regular pickleball sessions.

“Well the aim would be — if there's enough interest — we'll certainly get some regular games happening,” she said.

“The PCYC has been really supportive with that and they've got an older or seniors demographic here. So yeah, if there's enough interest it will become a regular thing.”