84-Year-Old Pickleball Volunteer Honored for Inspiring Hundreds, Even Prison Staff
What's the Score?
Eric Fordyce, an 84-year-old, has been named volunteer of the year at the recent Aberdeenshire Clubsport awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates his remarkable dedication to delivering pickleball sessions and his profound impact on community sport hubs throughout North Aberdeenshire. His tireless efforts have successfully introduced the rapidly growing sport to over 400 individuals, extending even to the unique setting of Peterhead Prison, where he ran a session for the staff.
Hit it deeper!
Eric Fordyce’s contribution to the growth of pickleball in North Aberdeenshire is nothing short of extraordinary. At 84 years young, his "incredible commitment" has enabled a significant number of people to discover and engage with the sport. Aberdeenshire Clubsport aptly described Eric as “an amazing gentleman”, a sentiment undoubtedly shared by the hundreds he has inspired. In addition to his well-deserved award, Eric was also presented with a cake to mark his upcoming birthday, adding a personal touch to the celebration of his achievements.
What makes Eric’s work particularly noteworthy is the diverse range of communities he has reached. While many might expect such initiatives to occur in typical sports facilities, Eric went above and beyond by organizing a pickleball session at Peterhead Prison. This initiative to introduce the sport to prison staff highlights his inclusive approach and his belief in the universal appeal and benefits of pickleball. By taking the sport into such an unconventional environment, Eric has demonstrated the potential of pickleball to connect with and positively impact individuals from all walks of life.
The Aberdeenshire Clubsport awards serve to highlight the vital role that volunteers play in fostering community engagement and promoting active lifestyles through sports. Eric’s recognition as volunteer of the year not only celebrates his individual contributions but also shines a spotlight on the growing popularity and reach of pickleball. His ability to engage over 400 players underscores the accessibility and enjoyment that the sport offers to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The fact that his efforts were centred in community sport hub areas across North Aberdeenshire indicates a strategic approach to making the sport available within local communities.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Eric Fordyce’s story is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that dedicated volunteers can have on their communities. His passion for pickleball and his commitment to sharing it with others, even in challenging environments like Peterhead Prison, exemplify the true spirit of volunteerism. His work has not only introduced a new sport to hundreds of people but has also fostered community connections and promoted physical activity. Eric’s award is a well-deserved tribute to his unwavering dedication and serves as an inspiration to individuals of all ages to get involved in their communities and share their passions. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to grow alongside the sport he has so enthusiastically championed in North Aberdeenshire.