Rhythm & Rally offer pickleball for Neurodivergent kids

Lee says the program allows kids with disabilities to feel just like everyone else.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- All children should have the opportunity to feel included at all times. That’s why Sports Program Manager for Rhythm & Rally Andrea Lee, created the ‘Pickleball for a Purpose’ program.

“Our goal is to allow individuals to have the opportunity to participate in pickleball. It’s a fun evolving sport for anyone, everyone”, said Lee. 

She says the program allows kids with disabilities to feel just like everyone else.

“Rather individuals with mental, physical, or any disability, pickleball is a sport all people can play,” she said. “From a 40-years-old to a 110-years-old, anyone can literally play this sport”.

Lee says it’s one of the many programs they offer.

“We have various programs we like to offer here that the community understands and sees, that it is a sport that anyone can play and that is why it’s very valuable to our local community”, said Lee. 

Laura Sugg is the mother of a disabled student, and says ‘Pickleball for a Purpose’ is fantastic for kids. 

“I like it because it gives us them opportunity to connect outside of school,” said Sugg. “So, they see their friends in school and get to come out and be a part of the community, and its inclusive with activates with folks with disabilities”, said Sugg 

Sugg says it’s a great opportunity to make new friends.

“He wants to be involved, he wants to be connected, and it’s an opportunity for him to be active and connected with his friends. And its intentional inclusion”, said Sugg. 

Lee adds introducing pickleball to students with disabilities help them learn the concept of working with others.