The Department of Parliamentary Services is rolling out pickleball as part of the activities available at the Health and Recreation Centre.
Scheduled on Tuesday, May 21, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the Health and Recreation Centre (HRC) will host 30-minute introductory sessions on Senate courts 7 and 8.
Pickleball, a sport played with paddles and a ball on a modified tennis court, has rapidly gained popularity worldwide as attitudes towards inclusive sports have evolved.
Designed to be a family-friendly competitive sport, pickleball offers a level playing field where age and physical fitness don’t necessarily determine success.
This levels the playing field, meaning MOPS (Members of Parliament) won’t always have to let their bosses win anymore.
Similar to badminton but played with table tennis paddles and a wiffle ball, pickleball fosters a social atmosphere, evident in its unique terminology.
It’s difficult to envision a player taking the instruction to “stop dinking their pickleball in the kitchen” seriously, yet this casual vibe is precisely what draws people to the sport.
Pickleball ACT currently hosts 10 sessions a week across seven days, consistently reaching full capacity. It is one of three pickleball groups active in Canberra.
The emergence of this food-themed paddle sport might spark a new discussion in the Australian cultural landscape, with debates potentially mirroring arguments over access to sports facilities for working-class tennis players.
Nevertheless, in this instance, politicians can settle any disputes on the court.
The introductory pickleball sessions are complimentary for HRC members and priced at $8 for non-members. Booking in advance is essential, with registrations closing on Friday, May 17, 2024.
To secure your spot, reach out to HRC at 02 6277 5310 or recreation@aph.gov.au.
Also Read : North Saanich Opts To Close Wain Park Pickleball Courts, Citing Noise
