In honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month and National Pickleball Month, Selkirk Sport is proud to announce a new partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation.
The organizations are working together to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise, especially pickleball, for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
“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.”
Pickleball’s role in Parkinson’s care
There’s growing evidence that physical activity can improve mobility, balance, and overall well-being for people with Parkinson’s.
In fact, research from the Parkinson’s Outcomes Project, opens in a new tab — the largest clinical study of Parkinson’s to date — shows that those who begin exercising early and commit to at least 2.5 hours per week experience a slower decline in quality of life.
Pickleball, with its low-impact movements and social atmosphere, has become a favorite among those living with PD. For many, the sport offers not just physical benefits but also a sense of community and empowerment.
Limited-edition paddles that give back
As part of the partnership, Selkirk has released two limited-edition pickleball paddles featuring the Parkinson’s Foundation logo: the EVO and the AMPED Pro Air. These models were chosen with direct input from members of the Parkinson’s community for their lightweight design and ease of use — two features that make them ideal for players managing PD symptoms.
For every paddle sold, Selkirk will donate 12% of sales to the Parkinson’s Foundation. This number is a meaningful one — it represents the 1.2 million people expected to be living with Parkinson’s by 2030.
“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.”
Supporting the community through tournaments and education
Selkirk’s support doesn’t stop with paddles. The company is also working with the Parkinson’s Foundation to sponsor pickleball tournaments that raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research.
In addition, Selkirk is collaborating with doctors at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), opens in a new tab to create “Pick it Up,” a new initiative that will train and certify pickleball coaches on how to teach the game safely to individuals with Parkinson’s. The program will be integrated with Pickleball Coaching International, opens in a new tab, helping expand access to qualified instruction across the globe.
Stories from the community
Scott Rider, a Parkinson’s Foundation ambassador and Selkirk advocate, has lived with Parkinson’s for more than 18 years. For him, pickleball is more than just a sport — it’s a lifeline.
“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.”
Learn more and get involved
The exclusive Parkinson’s Foundation paddles — the EVO and AMPED Pro Air — are available now. Every purchase helps support ongoing research and care initiatives that are improving lives.
To learn more about the Parkinson’s Foundation, visit Parkinson.org or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
