APRAESPI is a well-respected Non-Governmental Organization (“NGO”) that provides educational, vocational, and rehabilitation services to adults and children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.
In the last two weeks of September, we worked closely with APRAESPI to organize a Wheelchair Training Certification program for 25 Physical & Occupational therapists. LDS Charities conducted the training on behalf of the World Health Organization (“WHO”).
During the WHO program, we observed PE classes at the APRAESPI elementary school in which some of the older students (8-12 years old) were trying to play tennis with old racquets, dead balls and a sagging net.
During our brief trip to ND in early November, we stopped by Scheels to buy a Pickleball net, paddles and a stock of balls.
The goal was to introduce Pickleball as a “new improved” alternative to tennis. Mission accomplished.
The APRAESPI PE teachers loved the new sport!
After scouring the internet, we found no record of Pickleball being played anywhere in Brazil. If that is indeed the case, today may go down in international sports history as the day “Pickleball" was introduced to Brazil.
APRAESPI is talking about hosted a PB clinic and tournament in Q1 2018! Now we just need to find out how to import a few more nets, paddles and balls into Brazil duty-free.
Sounds like an excellent opportunity to exercise faith! (“Where there is a will, there is a way.”)
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