Senior Pickleball Report
Swing Racquet + Paddle Announces Partnership with Industry Leader Good to Great Tennis Academy
Swing and Good to Great Embark on a Collaborative Partnership to Bring a World-Class Teaching Academy to the U.S.
RALEIGH, N.C. /PRNewswire/ — Swing Racquet + Paddle (Swing), the first-of-its-kind Sportstainment™ venue coming to Raleigh in 2024 and the next evolution in racquet and paddle sports, today announced a partnership with the renowned Good to Great Tennis Academy. Together, Swing and Good to Great (GTG) will work closely to deliver a premier teaching academy with unique and engaging experiences that will continue to drive the growth of tennis in the Raleigh area and beyond. Over the past month, Swing has also made major announcements joining forces with the likes of Wilson Sporting Goods and celebrity chef Fabio Viviani.
“We are so excited to announce this blockbuster partnership with GTG Tennis Academy,” said Rob Autry, Founder and CEO of Swing Racquet + Paddle. “Their passion for the game and reputation for developing amazing tennis players – on and off the court – is well known across the industry. I can’t think of a partner better suited to help attract the best coaches and players to Swing and achieve our goal of transforming the racquet and paddle sports experience.”
“We cannot wait to bring our brand and knowledge to a new market…We are excited to work with Swing” – Mikael TillströmTweet
The strategic partnership will include GTG founders Magnus Norman, Nicklas Kulti, and Mikael Tillström providing foundational expertise in the development of a GTG co-branded tennis academy experience. Notable products of the GTG coaching model include Stan Wawrinka (three-time Grand Slam winner and former World No. 3), Rebecca Peterson, and Grigor Dimitrov (former World No. 3 in singles and the highest-ranked Bulgarian player of all time). The academy will be operated by Swing as part of the larger racquet sports concept at their 45-acre flagship campus in Raleigh and establish a North American base for GTG.
“We cannot wait to bring our brand and knowledge to a new market,” said Mikael Tillström, Founding Partner of GTG. “We have been waiting to take on a project outside Sweden and this concept and facility are very impressive. We are excited to work with Swing.”
Additionally, coaches and key Swing staff will regularly visit GTG in Sweden for training. The GTG team will instill the GTG philosophy for player development as well as provide key insights and practical operating knowledge toward running a premier tennis school. The partnership will also include co-branded merchandise and apparel.
The GTG philosophy is rooted in the belief that being successful in sports is a way of life – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Respect and energy are cornerstones that must exist within everyone involved: coaches, parents, relatives, and – above all – the players themselves. Everyone strives to give players the necessary tools to develop their tennis game, but it is ultimately up to the players to take the final step.
“In addition to training some of the best tennis players in the world, the GTG team delivers an inclusive experience that addresses the needs of beginners and recreational players as well as aspiring high performers. They have also worked through many of the pain points associated with facilities, memberships, court occupancy, and player experience,” said Jason DeGroff, President of Swing Racquet + Paddle. “We look to lean on their experience and knowledge to hit the ground running as one of the best sports facilities in the world.”
Swing’s flagship location is a 45-acre campus located in Raleigh, NC. The Swing campus will serve up tennis, pickleball, padel, ping pong, and beach tennis courts side-by-side with retail for all levels and an innovative food and beverage experience. To learn more about Swing, please visit SwingNC.com.
About Swing
Swing Racquet + Paddle, led by entrepreneur Rob Autry and business partner Jason DeGroff, is the first multi-racquet + paddle Sportstainment facility designed to scale nationwide and will feature a 45-acre flagship campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. Swing addresses an unmet need in the racquet sports space through a first-of-its-kind Sportstainment experience. The flagship location, slated for completion in late 2024, will be the largest, multi-racquet sports facility in the world. Swing is a place that combines the best in racquet + paddle courts, tournament play, sports fitness, technology, and Eatertainment- with a goal of producing players with a lifelong love of the game. More than a facility, Swing is an experience. An approachable and fun way to play. A place that brings people together through a common connection centered on sustainability, social good, and inclusion. For more information, please visit SwingNC.com.
About Good to Great
The vision of Good to Great Tennis Academy is to become the leading and best tennis Academy in the world. To be able to achieve this goal, the programs and activities are run at a new tennis facility in Danderyd, Stockholm. The people behind Good to Great include the former tennis professionals Nicklas Kulti, Magnus Norman and Mikael Tillström. Besides the burning passion for tennis and player development, they have another thing in common – they have all taken the step from being good tennis players to become world-class elite players. The academy rests on a uniquely developed concept called CARE. C.A.R.E: Concentration – Attitude – Respect – Energy. Whether it’s tennis, physics or how we treat the people around us, these factors are important to help others achieve success. Please visit goodtogreat.se/en for more information.
SOURCE Swing Racquet + Paddle
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Lifestyle
Cycling can make seniors healthier and more independent − here’s how to design bikes and networks that meet their needs
Seniors are increasingly interested in cycling. Research identifies senior-friendly bike designs and infrastructure improvement needs to enhance physical activity and independence among older adults.
Most senior citizens get around in their daily lives by driving, walking or using public buses and subways. But many people in their 60s and 70s could potentially be interested in other options, such as cycling. At a time when cycling is growing in the U.S. and the overall population is aging, seniors’ preferences for bike designs and bike networks are very relevant.
Older people may have concerns about riding a two-wheeled bike if they are afraid of falling – a risk that increases with age and causes many seniors to become less active. Many cities and communities are working to create safer bike networks, but these are designed for young, physically fit bikers, who are less afraid to bike near cars and don’t need an occasional bathroom break.
Some seniors live in assisted living complexes or memory care facilities that have roads, sidewalks and paths for residents pushing walkers. However, these complexes don’t usually have bike storage rooms, bike loops or safe bike pathways to local parks and stores.
I am a researcher in architecture – with a focus on environment and behavior – and a senior, and I have studied bikes and bike networks for over 43 years. In my latest project, I worked with Seth Gale, a behavioral neurologist; Linda Mazie, a health and wellness coach who works with seniors; and Heidi Savage, a fitness director who also works with seniors, to learn from older people what kinds of bicycles and bike networks would help them stay active and independent through cycling. https://www.youtube.com/embed/vrrzFnzYUXI?wmode=transparent&start=0 In the Netherlands, where many people of all ages routinely ride bikes, local officials take a tour with older riders to identify spots that seniors find particularly unsafe on their route.
We found that a majority of the seniors whom we surveyed and who test-rode three bikes preferred a three-wheeled adult tricycle or a two-seat model that lets riders sit side by side. For infrastructure, their key requirements included bike loops, separation from cars and nearby bathrooms.
Benefits of biking for seniors
Many older people in the U.S. don’t get enough physical activity for healthy aging. A 2016 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than one-fourth of all adults over 50 did not engage in any physical activity outside of work. This share increased with age and was higher among people with chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and depression. Inactivity was significantly higher among women than men, and among Black and Hispanic seniors compared with white seniors.
Biking provides many health benefits, including cardiovascular exercise, stronger muscles, better coordination and lower stress levels. It also offers benefits that are particularly relevant for seniors. For example, one study found that cycling for at least one hour per week significantly improved older people’s balance, potentially making them less vulnerable to falls.
There also are findings suggesting that exercise may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. For example, one study showed that when mice exercised on a wheel, their muscles produced irisin, a hormone that supports cognitive function. The irisin passed into their brain, improving memory and spatial awareness.
Senior-friendly bikes
For our study, we distributed surveys with pictures of senior-friendly bikes and questions about bike networks to 178 seniors in four senior communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Participants ranked the pictures according to how well they liked the various bike designs and offered more comments while seeing the pictures on a large screen.
We also borrowed three senior-friendly bikes made by Van Raam, a Dutch company that designs bikes for a wide range of special needs. These models included:
- A three-wheeled bike for side-by-side riders who each have handlebars and who can pedal together while one steers.
- An adult tricycle with a back rest and low center of gravity.
- A two-wheeled bike with a low center bar that makes it easy to step through when getting on or off.
Fifty seniors at RiverWoods-Exeter, a senior living complex in New Hampshire, and Fox Hill Village, an independent living community for seniors in Westwood, Massachusetts, were invited to test-ride the three models and complete a survey about their experiences.
Designing bike networks for older riders
Based on photos, participants were most enthusiastic about the adult tricycle and also were interested in the two-seat three-wheeler. Adult tricycles are harder to pedal than bikes with two wheels, and rounding corners involves turning the handlebars without leaning, so these models have a learning curve. However, they offer stability, which clearly was important to the people in our study.
Among seniors who did test rides, the most popular model was the single-seat three-wheeled bike. Unlike a low recumbent bicycle, this bike’s seat is about as high as a chair, and unlike an adult tricycle, it has a back rest.
Participants’ second choice was the three-wheeled two-seater bike, which has seats with backs, arm rests and seat belts. Fewer participants were willing to test-ride the two-wheeled regular bike with a low center bar; those who tried it were already comfortable riding two-wheeled bikes.
Comments were enthusiastic, especially for the two-seater bike. Seniors wrote, “I like the social aspect and teamwork”; “I see this as an asset to our community”; and, simply, “Awesome!!!”
Some noted that the two-seater could work for seniors who were caregivers for their spouses. One husband wrote, “This would be great to ride with my wife, who hasn’t ridden a bike for 50 years.”
In response to survey questions about the most important features of a senior-friendly bike network, participants said they wanted to be able to bike for 30 minutes at a stretch, ride twice a week and have a bathroom available.
For a network added to their assisted living complexes, they wanted a cycling loop on-site; a route to a destination outside the complex; a smooth, flat riding surface with grass shoulders; and picnic tables and water nearby. Participants felt that cars traveled too fast in their residential complexes, so they wanted to ride on separated paths rather than on existing roads.
Our findings echo other studies that have shown that senior cyclists want to ride in protected bike lanes or separate paved paths, rather than in street traffic. Because many seniors have limited vision, another feature that can make bike paths safer for them is light-colored demarcation strips at the edges of the path to help older riders avoid veering off the main cycle path, especially at night.
Pedaling ahead
Here are the key steps that I believe would be required to develop findings like ours into scalable bicycling programs for seniors in the U.S.
Some seniors might appreciate having classes to relearn how to ride a two-wheeled bike, or to ride with another person on a two-seater model. Assisted living complexes could install bike storage sheds and buy several senior-friendly bikes for residents to ride.
Protected bike lanes could be made more senior-friendly by building them level with the adjoining sidewalk, so that a third wheel could rest on the edge of the parallel sidewalk. Lanes optimized for senior riders would be continuous and have bicycle traffic signals, raised crosswalks and nearby public bathrooms with signs leading to them.
Routes could run from residential neighborhoods to destinations such as coffee shops, post offices, grocery and drugstores, and parks. Destinations could provide space to park and lock the bikes while riders shopped or had coffee.
The U.S. has an aging population, and seniors’ health is an important concern for seniors themselves, their caregivers and taxpayers. There is strong evidence that increased bicycle use by seniors could help many people live healthier and more independent lives well into their golden years.
Anne Lusk, Lecturer in Urban Agriculture, Boston University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. /PRNewswire/ — Pickleball Kingdom, the largest indoor pickleball entity in the world, announces its expansion into Knoxville, Tennessee. This state-of-the-art indoor pickleball facility will be led by franchisees Bappa Mukherji, Anjali Mukherji Doria, and Jake Doria, and will bring the renowned Pickleball Kingdom experience to one of Tennessee’s most energetic and fast-growing cities.
“Knoxville is the perfect place for Pickleball Kingdom to take root,” said Ace Rodrigues, Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom. “Bappa, Anjali, and Jake share a passion for pickleball and building strong community connections. Their leadership and commitment to excellence will make this location a centerpiece for players in the region.”
Pickleball Kingdom is renowned for its cutting-edge facilities and welcoming community environment. This new Knoxville club joins Pickleball Kingdom’s growing presence in Tennessee, with additional locations already underway in Nashville, Hendersonville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Murfreesboro, solidifying the state as a hub for premier indoor pickleball. Plans for the Knoxville facility include climate-controlled indoor courts, modern lounge spaces, and comprehensive programs for players of all ages and skill levels. While a specific site is still being finalized, the club promises to deliver an unparalleled player experience.
The new Knoxville facility will feature:
- State-of-the-Art Indoor Courts: Designed to optimize playing conditions, blending outdoor surfaces with an indoor setting for year-round play.
- Professional Coaching and Clinics: Customized for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players.
- Youth Programs: Introducing the next generation to pickleball through engaging activities.
- Leagues and Tournaments: Providing competitive opportunities for players to showcase their skills.
- Community-Focused Events: Bringing together local businesses and residents to foster connection and camaraderie.
“Pickleball is more than a sport – it’s a way to bring people together,” said Bappa Mukherji. Anjali Mukherji Doria added, “Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcome, whether they’re experienced players or picking up a paddle for the first time.” Jake Doria emphasized, “This club will be a hub for fun, fitness, and fostering new friendships in Knoxville.”
“We’re excited to collaborate with Bappa, Anjali, and Jake, whose dedication to excellence and community-building reflects the core values of Pickleball Kingdom,” said Rob Streett, COO of Pickleball Kingdom. “Their track record in fostering growth and their shared passion for pickleball will undoubtedly elevate the player experience and play a crucial role in our continued success and expansion.”
Anjali is the Executive Director of the Dava Foundation where she helps open and operate charities for rural hospitals. Additionally, she is the Chairman and President of Coffee Cares, a local nonprofit organization that helps relieve medical debt in Coffee County, Tennessee. With experience in franchise start-ups and organizing successful charity events, including a pickleball tournament for Utah’s youth, Anjali brings a wealth of expertise to the table.
Jake, a healthcare professional, has extensive business experience, and currently oversees provider enrollment and financial reporting. Jake’s passion for pickleball led him to create a non-profit pickleball tournament, with proceeds supporting youth suicide prevention. With a passion for pickleball and community engagement, he is determined to give back to the area and help Pickleball Kingdom become a staple in the community for years to come.
Opportunities for Franchisees
Pickleball Kingdom offers franchisees the highest industry AUV (average unit volume) per location, demonstrating the strength of its business model and the comprehensive support provided to franchise owners.
With the rapid growth of pickleball across the country, Pickleball Kingdom invites motivated individuals to explore franchise opportunities and join the movement that is sweeping the nation. For more information about franchise opportunities with Pickleball Kingdom, visit www.pickleballkingdom.com/franchise.
For the latest updates and information, visit the Knoxville, TN club page: https://pickleballkingdom.com/knoxville-tn/
Follow Pickleball Kingdom on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
SOURCE Pickleball Kingdom Franchising
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
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If you’re a fan of pickleball—or simply love inspiring stories of perseverance and teamwork—you won’t want to miss the latest episode of the People of Pickleball podcast! In this exciting installment, host Mike Sleeves Sliwa dives deep into the dynamic world of the National Pickleball League (NPL) championship with the powerhouse owners of the league’s top three teams: the Houston Hammers, the Columbus Hotshots, and the champions, the Boca Raton Picklers!
Meet the Pickleball Power Players
In this episode, Mike kicks things off with Rommie Maxey, the energetic owner of the Houston Hammers. You can feel the passion as Rommie shares insights into the strategies that drove the Hammers throughout the season. Next up, he has a candid conversation with Jeff McKnight of the Columbus Hotshots, who provides a unique perspective on what it means to chase excellence in such a fiercely competitive league.
The highlight of the episode is undoubtedly the group interview featuring Rick Retamar and Carl Foster, owners of the Boca Raton Picklers. As the champions, they offer a goldmine of information about their journey to victory—one filled with trials, triumphs, and unwavering determination.
Player Perspectives
But that’s not all! The episode also includes engaging discussions with team stars Kara Williams and Mircea Morariu. They bring the listener on a thrilling ride through their season experiences and share what it was like to step onto the court during the championship in Cincinnati back in October. Their camaraderie and spirit shine as they reflect on their journeys and the bonds formed along the way.
Looking to the Future
The conversation doesn’t stop at recounting past victories; Mike also steers the discussion towards the future of the league and the growing trend of senior pickleball. The owners and players outline their hopes for expanding the league’s reach and ensuring that pickleball remains an inclusive and vibrant sport for all ages. These insights are invaluable for anyone interested in the evolution of pickleball as a mainstream sport.
Don’t Miss Out!
This episode of People of Pickleball is an absolute must-listen for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With insights from both team owners and players, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to excel in this thrilling world of pickleball.
So mark your calendars and get ready to tune in! The full interview promises to be packed with fascinating details, anecdotes, and expert perspectives that paint a vivid picture of the current landscape of the National Pickleball League. You won’t want to miss it!
Listen now and join the growing community of pickleball enthusiasts who are eager to learn and share their passion for this wonderful sport!
Or Watch the video version on YouTube:
Hey, “People of Pickleball” fans! Looking for some great deals on the latest pickleball gear and services? We’ve got you covered! Just head over to this link https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/ for exclusive discounts crafted just for our listeners. Don’t miss out on elevating your game with top-notch pickleball essentials at amazing prices! https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/
More info about Pickleball Cruise: Pickleball Cruise https://www.pickleballintl.org
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Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report
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