Down Leisure Centre serves up new sport

Down Leisure Centre serves up new sport

28 August 2019

A NEW sport is set to make its debut at the Down Leisure Centre in Downpatrick this autumn. From September 11, pickleball sessions will take place every Wednesday between 11.30am and 12.30pm. 

Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. 

The sport provides a good aerobic workout and can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. While the rules are simple and the game easy for beginners to learn, it can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council vice-chairman, Terry Andrews, said the local authority Council is delighted to bring new initiatives to the district that will help people integrate physical activity into their everyday routines. 

“Our sport and leisure department, through its ‘Be Active’ campaign, is keen focus on providing our residents with new and interesting ways to lead healthier and happier lives,” he explained.

“Introducing pickleball to our leisure centres is one such scheme and I am certain it will prove a real hit. Be active your way every day is our goal for all the citizens across the district and wider area.”

The ‘Be Active’ campaign is an integral component of the local authority’s corporate plan commitments to develop key infrastructure that will improve leisure centres and introduce new activities that can be accessed by all.

The pickleball sessions will be part of the ‘everybody active programme’ and each session costs £1 per person.