With one year to go until Birmingham hosts the Invictus Games, pickleball stepped into the spotlight at a countdown event.
Representatives from Pickleball England were invited along by the organisers to demonstrate pickleball on two courts courtesy of adaptive and able-bodied players.
And Michael de Groot, West Midlands rep for Pickleball England, was delighted to see the sport on such a high-profile stage.
“The Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 will be far more than just a world-class sporting event for the West Midlands,” he told Pickleball 52. “It will shine a global spotlight on our region, inspire communities, and leave a lasting legacy long after the closing ceremony.
“As pickleball is one of the new sports being introduced to the Invictus Games, it’s an incredible opportunity to showcase everything that makes it so special. With millions of people expected to watch the Games around the world, many in the West Midlands region will be discovering Pickleball for the very first time.
“What makes pickleball unique is its inclusivity. It brings together people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Whether you’re young or older, able-bodied or living with a disability, it’s a sport that genuinely welcomes everyone. Very few sports can claim that.
“I have no doubt that the exposure from the Invictus Games will inspire thousands of people across the West Midlands and beyond to pick up a paddle and give pickleball a try. It has the power not only to improve physical health, but also to build confidence, friendships and a real sense of community. That’s exactly the spirit the Invictus Games represent, and I’m excited that pickleball will be part of that journey.”
“For us, this was about much more than showcasing a sport,” Pickleball England said in a social media statement. “It was about showing how pickleball can create confidence, connection and belonging. It is easy to start, adaptable to different players, and full of the energy, teamwork and resilience that sit so naturally alongside the Invictus spirit.”
