Change is good

Adaptive Pickleball

Programs begin May 17, 6:30 p.m.
Withrow Pickleball Court
2488 Madison Road

Registration is now open!

Cincinnati Tennis Foundation announced the formation of its first-ever Adaptive Pickleball programs funded by a major donation from Larry Blundred, the founder of Ollie Otter Enterprises.

Pickleball, a mix of tennis and ping-pong, is the fastest-growing sport in America, and adaptive pickleball is a program for people with physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges, according to Matt Dektas, executive director of the Cincinnati Tennis Foundation.

“The new program is one of the first in America and will create a safe and active program for our community thanks to the generous donation from Larry Blundred,” Dektas said.

Blundred is the founder of Ollie Otter Enterprises, a pickleball focused company, which includes music videos and two popular children’s books: “How Pickleball Saved Ollie Otter,” published by Blundred in 2020 and “Ollie and His Pickleball Friends Return Home: The Story Continues…” published in 2022. Both books use the game of pickleball and animal characters such as Ollie Otter, Robby Raccoon, Wally Wallaby and Pauly Penguin to encourage compassion for differences among all people, young and old, who find community, fun and purpose through the game of pickleball.

A member of the Cincinnati Pickleball and Sawyer Point Pickleball Clubs, Blundred is a retired financial advisor and a former marketing executive in Cincinnati.

Blundred’s contribution to the Cincinnati Tennis Foundation will also provide annual scholarships and additional programming support.

Since 2015, Cincinnati Tennis Foundation has offered opportunities to thousands of students and players across parks, schools, youth centers, and clubs across Cincinnati and its urban core.