Pickleball Legend Swings By Mary Free Bed To Teach Some New Moves

As a newcomer to West Michigan, I'm just learning about Pickleball. But, as someone who grew up with a ping pong table in their basement, I totally get why playing a large scale version of my favorite game has some real appeal.

And I'm not the only one falling in love with the game, it's currently America's fastest growing sports. And one of the reasons everyone loves it is because it's a game that nearly everyone can play, no matter age, size or ability.

So, when a legend of the sport offers to visit town on World Pickleball Day, you've got to bring your 'A game'. Seymour Rifkind, or as he's known on the cour as just Rif, was pickleball, before pickleball was pickleball!

Rif is the President and Founder of International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association. He also serves as President of the Pickleball Hall of Fame. After retiring from a career in marketing and communications, Rif devoted his life to sharing his love of pickleball and helping to grow the sport. He's not just a great coach and leader, he's great at the game too- Rif has won multiple medals at the US Open, as well as other regional & national tournaments

Yesterday Rif visited and toured Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and spent some one on one time with staff from the Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports program.

Teaching them how to perfect their swings, and some high end techniques

A big shout out to Rif for making the trip to Grand Rapids to celebrate Pickleball with some of Grand Rapids' best players at Mary Free Bed - this is the warm fuzzy we needed today!