INCLUSION IN SPORT

Pickleball is more than just one of the fastest-growing sports in Australia, it's a game that invites everyone to play. 

One of its greatest strengths is how naturally inclusive it can be, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities onto the court.

For older adults, pickleball offers a social, low-impact way to stay active. For children and younger players, it’s fun, fast, and easy to learn. 

But just as importantly, pickleball can be adapted to include players with disabilities, ensuring no one is left on the sidelines.

Inclusion in sport is not just the right thing, it’s essential. It fosters belonging, confidence, and equality, and helps build stronger, more compassionate communities. 

In Australia, we have the opportunity to lead by example by ensuring our clubs, events, and competitions are accessible and welcoming.

So, How Do We Do This in Pickleball?

• Accessible facilities: Ensuring courts are wheelchair-friendly and have safe, easy access for all.
  

• Adaptive play: Supporting modified rules or equipment (like lightweight paddles or slower balls) when needed.
  

• Inclusive programs: Offering beginner sessions, disability-inclusive clinics, or multi-age social play that encourages everyone to join.
  

• Awareness and education: Training coaches and volunteers to be inclusive and open-minded, and celebrating diverse players and stories.

More Than Medals: Cody and Tanya’s Pickleball Victory of the Heart

Something truly special unfolded over the weekend at the Mackay leg of the Queensland Pickleball Tour (21-22 June 2025). 

Amid the fierce rallies, friendly faces, and thwack of paddles, one doubles team stood out, not just for their championship win, but for the inspiring journey behind it.

Cody, a young autistic player, took to the court with his carer-turned-doubles-partner Tanya, and together, they walked away as champions in their division. But as Tanya will tell you, the real victory has nothing to do with medals.

“When I first met Cody 20 months ago, he was non-verbal, shy, and wouldn’t even drink water in front of anyone,” Tanya shared. “Now he’s out there laughing, connecting, competing - and yes, sipping water in public like it’s no big deal!”

Formerly a tennis player, Cody found his spark in pickleball. The pace, the teamwork, and the fun of the game just clicked. So did his partnership with Tanya. What began as a support role has grown into a genuine friendship full of trust, cheeky humour, and shared determination.

From their early days on the tennis court to tournament champions in pickleball, the transformation has been remarkable. “To see Cody play, communicate, and shine the way he does now is nothing short of incredible,” Tanya said. “There were times I wasn’t sure he’d even speak, let alone smash a winning shot in a doubles final.”

One milestone among many: Cody now feels comfortable drinking water in public, something he once avoided entirely. It might seem small to some, but for Cody, and for those who know his journey, it’s monumental.

Tanya, well-known in the community for her infectious laugh and big heart, brings a special kind of magic to every court she steps on. Her blend of fun and professionalism has helped create a safe, joyful space where Cody can truly thrive.

Their win in Mackay is more than a scorecard triumph; it was a celebration of connection, inclusion, and the pure joy of playing together. And if this tournament is anything to go by, there are many more games, more milestones, and more magic still to come for this unforgettable duo.

Cody and Tanya’s story reminds us that pickleball isn’t just a sport. It’s a space where everyone, no matter their ability, can shine.

SPORT4ALL

If you would like to be involved in inclusion training around your Club, then why not participate in Sport4All?  

Sport4All is a ground-breaking, national award-winning program brought to life through a collaboration between the Australian Government, the Australian Sports Commission, and former Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott’s consultancy, Get Skilled Access.

Their purpose is to drive a positive change in grassroots sport, providing education, training,

skills, and support, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of sport - when, where, and how they choose.

Sport4All’s program is dedicated to enhancing inclusivity in sports by empowering local sports clubs, schools, and communities to embrace diversity and create opportunities for people with disability. 

Let’s make pickleball in Australia a game where Every Body truly belongs, on and off the court.

Related Resources: 

• HOT PRESS: Pickleball is about to become a RECOGNISED SPORT - Game On, Pickleball Style!
• HOT PRESS: Latest US Craze Pickleball Takes Queensland by Storm | 7NEWS
• PickleCOACH: Tennis to Pickleball: The Pros, Pitfalls & How to Make the Switch Smoothly and Join The Fastest-Growing Sport!

[Created by: Irene Krajewska; Words by: Cody's Story by Tanya Hayward]