The New Mexico and Arizona Pickleball Association (NMAPA) is pleased to announce that the Parkinson’s Foundation has awarded a 2024 Community Grant to our organization. This grant will allow NMAPA to expand on our mission to grow the sport of pickleball to communities, youth, and now to Parkinson’s patients and their care partners.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States and the numbers for Parkinson’s are rapidly growing as well. A 2022 Parkinson’s Foundation-backed study revealed that nearly 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. each year. This represents a steep 50% increase from the previously estimated rate of 60,000 diagnoses annually. 

Pickleball is the perfect sport for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Each game incorporates the Parkinson’s Foundation exercise recommendations. All 4 PWR! moves are used in each game of pickleball. PWR! moves are PD specific skills aimed at improving functional mobility in people with Parkinson’s.

The New Mexico and Arizona Pickleball Association currently has programs in Las Cruces and Farmington, NM. We are working on Albuquerque, NM; Gilbert, Green Valley, and Flagstaff, AZ. If you are interested in a program for your community, please contact us! Inquiries can be sent to info@nmapickleball.org