Pickleball Community Unites for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth at Special Clinic Event
April is Pickleball Month
The Southern Nevada pickleball community rallied together on Monday, April 14th, for a heartwarming evening that combined sport, advocacy, and inclusion. Nevada Hands & Voices, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children and their families, hosted a special Pickleball Clinic at Chicken N Pickle in Henderson, offering an unforgettable experience for young participants and their families.
Thanks to the generosity of Chicken N Pickle, which donated court time at its state-of-the-art venue, and the enthusiasm of pickleball ambassadors from Southern Nevada Pickleball, children were introduced to the game in a fun, inclusive, and fully accessible environment. Many of the kids, some picking up a paddle for the first time, arrived timid—but quickly found their stride thanks to supportive volunteers, ASL interpreters, and the encouraging instruction from the ambassador team.
The event featured appearances by professional pickleball players Reyna Ash and Andre Millet, who engaged with families during a special meet-and-greet session. Adding a literacy-focused layer to the evening, Thurman White Academy’s Student Council handed out books collected through their school-wide drive, which brought in 867 new and gently used titles for DHH youth.
A unique advocacy activity led by Nevada Hands & Voices invited children to create personal messages, which will be displayed during Deaf Day at the Legislature on April 28th. These powerful, heartfelt notes reflected the children’s voices and aspirations, underscoring the importance of representation and belonging.
The courts were soon filled with energy, confidence, laughter, and new friendships—transforming the evening into far more than a sports clinic. It became a vibrant celebration of connection, empowerment, and the power of community collaboration. Nevada Hands & Voices continues its mission to support, educate, and empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing children from birth to age 21, and this event stood as a shining example of what’s possible when a community comes together.
Photos by: JB Public Relations