As we wrap up our reflections on Parkinson’s Awareness Month this past April, we wanted to highlight a story that hits home for our Pickleball Victoria community. While we all know how much fun this sport is, for some of our members, the court is also an important place in their lives.
The following piece is a special, firsthand account from a member who has shared their journey of living with Parkinson’s and how Pickleball and the support of the Manningham Pickleball Club have become a vital part of their life.
In their own words...
Late 2023, my physiotherapist suggested that I play pickleball; she didn’t suggest to me only but to my whole physio group. When it was first suggested, I thought to myself, “What is this game that they call Pickleball? How and where do you play it? And why is it being suggested as a benefit for me?”.
To be honest, until then I had never heard of Pickleball, and when it was explained to me, I thought, “Oh wow, it’s miniature tennis, sounds fun.” Coming from a tennis background, I decided to give it a go. At that point, my physio arranged to meet at DISC and play a session.
Now, you may be wondering why a physiotherapist would recommend that I play Pickleball as a means to assist me with my health. The reason… I have Parkinsons Disease; I prefer to refer Parkinsons as a condition, as it sort of softens the blow somewhat. I know that images of Michael J Fox, Mohammad Ali and Ozzy Osbourne can come to you.
I wish to make one thing clear, Parkinsons does not affect everyone the same, just as everyone’s fingerprints are unique, so too, is each person’s Parkinsons journey.
In 2023, the benefits of people with Parkinsons playing pickleball were starting to be discussed. It was felt that Pickleball assists in development/strengthen in hand and eye co-ordination, tackle balance issues, increase fitness/stamina, maintain cognition (due to keeping score) and is great for social interaction. All of which people with Parkinsons tend to struggle with.
After that first session of pickleball, I was hooked, you all know that feeling. Though I fell a few times at my initial sessions, I put in down to enthusiasm not my condition. I thought I was 25 again, as they say, “The older I get the better I was”.
I then become a member of Pickleball Manningham Club (PMC).
Playing Pickleball has benefited me greatly. My balance has improved, my reflexes are far greater than they were 2 years ago, my stamina has improved, and I am able to play reasonably well against most able-bodied people up to a DUPR of 3.5. I am a much-improved person physically due to pickleball, to the extent that people ask what my mantra is to maintain my physical ability. While I still have Parkinsons symptoms, I have them well managed, and I attribute this to me playing pickleball.
Since I started playing in late 2023, I have played tournaments at Leeds St (PMC home courts), Warrnambool, Werribee, Frankston, Pickleball Palace, Bayswater, Eastern Indoor and Craigieburn. I have won a few silver medals, but no gold… yet!!
The people in the pickleball community are great, they are accepting of my condition and treat as part of the team. Those who know I have Parkinsons, do not treat me any differently, and the people who don’t realise that I have the condition; when they do find out, they are surprised. I have made so many friends since I started playing, this is a testimony to the culture at the clubs I play at, where it’s all welcoming.
Having a condition/disability, you come across both the good and bad in people, this happens socially, competitively and in the workplace.
During my pickleball journey, I have encountered a few hiccups along the way, some refuse to play with me due to my condition; I don’t let it get to me, and it is something I would like to work on: perception. My view is that those people have an issue, they just don’t know it. Due to some restrictions, people at times get frustrated with me on the court, not a problem, it comes with the territory and provides me with a challenge to improve. Anyway no one is perfect, I have even been known to show disappointment on the court; again, another thing I must work on.
Pickleball is a great outlet for me (though my wife thinks I spend more time at pickleball than at home), it has enabled me to address my Parkinsons issues, helped me socially and given me a sense of purpose. Pickleball has proven to me that though you may have a disability, it doesn’t define you. I accept the hand I have been dealt in life, pickleball helps met face it and continue to move forward. Participating, being active and social are the best remedies for most conditions. People say, “You have a condition, it doesn’t have you!”.
I would strongly encourage anyone, either with or without a disability to play pickleball, one will be pleasantly surprised at the benefits.
Michael Tomasoni (member Pickleball Manningham Club)
