Q: How long have you been volunteering with BORP?
I started volunteering with the BORP kayaking program in 2021.
Q: What made you want to start a Pickleball program?
I discovered pickleball six years ago. For me it is the perfect balance between a bit of exercise, social fun, and competition. After seeing all the sports that BORP sponsored I thought “why not pickleball?” A portable net was set up at the bike and kayak facility a couple years ago. A few people tried it out and had fun, so we held another few sessions at James Kenney Park in Berkeley. The weekly Saturday game from 1-3pm started almost one year ago.
Q: Why BORP?
I have really enjoyed being around BORP participants, staff, and volunteers. They remind me to keep doing things I enjoy — what I can, when I can as often as I can.
Q: What’s next for Pickleballers?
That’s up to whoever shows up. I think around 25-30 people have tried it out and we are now getting 6-9 players on a regular basis. Pickleball was a hit at the annual Adaptive Sports Expo. I’m hoping that more young folks come try it out. Everywhere pickleball is played there is a wonderful diversity across age groups and other dimensions. The wheelchair game is breaking into national tournaments with wheelchair and hybrid divisions (wc and standing players). There is a BORP conversation going on about whether to play indoors and/or out and finding a venue with more than one court. Who knows, maybe there will be a “team” someday and games with other wheelchair athletic programs.
Q: Do you mind being call Pickleball Bill?
I am amused by the nickname especially if it attracts some more participants. (And I hope it stays within the BORP community. 
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