10/20/2024
Pickleball isn’t just for the able-bodied anymore! This October, The Pickle Lodge in West Chester, Ohio, is hosting its first-ever Spooky Spokes Wheelchair Pickleball Tournament as part of the larger Monster Smash Weekend. Wheelchair athletes from across the country are descending on the Lodge from October 25-27 for three days of competition and fun.
The tournament, organized in collaboration with the US Wheelchair Pickleball Association, will see over two dozen players competing in singles, doubles, and a unique hybrid format that pairs wheelchair athletes with able-bodied players. Mitch Dunn, co-founder of The Pickle Lodge, expressed excitement about finally realizing his dream of hosting a wheelchair pickleball event in Cincinnati. The Lodge was built with accessibility in mind, including features like an elevator to ensure everyone can participate in the fun.
This event is more than just a tournament—it’s a community celebration. With athletes traveling from states like Texas, California, and Florida, it’s a chance to showcase inclusivity in the sport of pickleball. In true Monster Smash fashion, costumes are encouraged, adding a spooky twist to the competition. To help cover the costs for athletes, members of The Pickle Lodge have raised over $4,000, ensuring that players can focus on the game without financial stress
The Pickleball Take
It’s great to see wheelchair pickleball getting a moment in the spotlight, especially at an event as fun as Monster Smash. Who said accessibility can’t be spooky and competitive all at once? My take? This is a smashing step for the sport, and seeing both able-bodied and wheelchair athletes share the court brings a whole new meaning to inclusivity in pickleball.
Inside Pickleball Joke: “They’ve got spooky costumes and high-level competition—just wait until someone ‘ghosts’ on the court after a killer lob!”
