Grace College Receives Grant for Pickleball Equipment from K21 Health Foundation
Grace College Receives Grant for Pickleball Equipment from K21 Health Foundation
WINONA LAKE — Grace College has recently been awarded a grant of nearly $25,000 from the K21 Health Foundation for pickleball equipment at the Gordon Health and Wellness Center. The grant will provide mobile nets, new balls, paddles, and temporary courts for indoor play during the winter months and tournaments throughout the year.
Jordan Weidner, director of the Gordon Health and Wellness Center, expressed excitement about the growing interest in pickleball within the community. “We have easily doubled the number of people coming in on a weekly basis, and the local pickleball Facebook group has grown to almost a thousand members,” said Weidner. “This new equipment will get a lot of use, and we are grateful for K21’s support in making this possible.”
The K21 Health Foundation focuses on improving health and wellness for residents of Kosciusko County and has seen a surge in pickleball participation across all age groups and communities. Rich Haddad, president and CEO of the foundation, noted the rapid growth of the sport and the need for year-round recreational opportunities in the community.
In addition to open community court time during the week, Grace College has several pickleball tournaments planned for students in the coming months. The wellness center facilities are also available to employees, alumni, community senior citizens, local law enforcement, first responders, and military personnel.
“We hope to see the continued growth of pickleball in our community as a result of this grant,” said Weidner, highlighting the positive impact of the new equipment on community engagement and wellness.
For more information about the Gordon Health and Wellness Center, visit grace.edu/about/campus/health-recreation-safety/gordon-rec-center. To learn more about the K21 Health Foundation, visit k21healthfoundation.org.
