TELLICO VILLAGE, Tenn. — The Tellico Village Pickleball Club gathered with Special Olympians on Thursday, showing them the ropes of the new official sport. David Clemmer is one athlete who's now confident in his ability to play.
"I can't wait, bring everybody on," said Clemmer.
Trainers with the club say the sport can be easy for the athletes to pick up.
"Pickleball is easier to learn because the ball doesn't bounce as hard. It doesn't bounce as fast. Therefore, it's an easier skill to pick up for our Special Olympians," said Gordon Young with the pickleball club.
After the Special Olympics added pickleball to its roster of approved sports, Tellico Village wanted to help local athletes prepare. Clemmer said he has been an Olympian for years and is now a seasoned athlete.
"I've been part of the Special Olympics for 12 years," he said. "It's like a challenge for me. I just love doing it."
Organizers said Thursday's training event was also crucial to help the Special Olympics raise money.
"The money that's raised this week, along with Monday night when they have an afterglow party and have a silent auction — 50% of those proceeds are going for the Special Olympics of the Fort Loudon region," said Russell Campbell, one of the sponsors of the event.
Leaders also said that the event gives them an opportunity to connect with Special Olympians.
"It brings tears to your eyes, by the smiles on the Special Olympians' faces," Young said.
The sport embodies the very traits Special Olympians embrace.
"We are about sportsmanship, we're about family, friends. We're about competing with each other," said Clemmer.