Selkirk Sport Promotes Benefits of Physical Activity for People with Parkinson’s with Latest Partnership
Pickleball is more than just a game. It’s more than just a sport. It’s a phenomenon that’s taking the world by storm—and transforming it in so many ways big and small.
In honour of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Selkirk Sport, a leading pickleball paddle manufacturer, has partnered with the Parkinson’s Foundation to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This partnership underscores the strong communal aspect of pickleball as it looks to give back to the community in whatever shape or form.
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Since 1957, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested more than $474 million in Parkinson’s research and clinical care.
“Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have to help people with Parkinson’s maintain their independence and improve their quality of life,” said John Lehr, president and CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation. “This partnership with Selkirk Sport raises crucial funds and highlights the importance of staying active through sports like pickleball.”
Through this initiative, Selkirk is introducing two specially-designed pickleball paddles—the EVO and the AMPED Pro Air—each featuring the Parkinson’s Foundation logo. These paddle models were chosen with input from members of the Parkinson’s community for their lightweight design and maneuverability.
For every pickleball paddle sold, Selkirk will donate 12% of sales to the Parkinson’s Foundation, a percentage that represents the 1.2 million people projected to be living with Parkinson’s by 2030.
The collaboration underscores the growing body of research that highlights the role of exercise in improving mobility, balance and overall well-being for those living with Parkinson’s. Research from the Parkinson’s Outcomes Project, the largest clinical study of Parkinson’s disease, has shown that people with Parkinson’s who begin exercising early and maintain a routine of at least 2.5 hours per week experience a slower decline in quality of life.
“At Selkirk Sport, we believe in the transformative power of pickleball, and we are proud to support the Parkinson’s Foundation in its mission to improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s,” said Rob Barnes, co-founder and co-CEO of Selkirk Sport. “By offering these special paddles and supporting the PD community, we hope to encourage more people to stay active and engaged through sport.”
Selkirk and Parkinson’s Foundation ambassador Scott Rider, who has lived with Parkinson’s for more than 18 years, is an advocate of playing pickleball to manage the symptoms of PD.
“As someone who lives with Parkinson’s, I’ve experienced firsthand how staying active can make a difference,” Rider said. “Pickleball has become an essential part of my routine, not only to stay physically fit but also to connect with the PD and pickleball community.” The exclusive Parkinson’s-branded EVO and AMPED Pro Air pickleball paddles are available now at Selkirk.com.
