Christine Gets in a Bit of a Pickle...ball!

In 2016 Christine Neyndorff, the former Director of the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) was one of only a handful of Pickleball players in Hertfordshire but having witnessed the exponential growth of the sport in North America and Canada, was convinced that the UK, and Hertfordshire in particular, was fertile ground for the sport’s development.

That confidence was based on over 40 years work in sport and leisure, in a range of roles across the public and voluntary sectors, and such was her confidence that she persuaded the organisers of the 2018 Hertfordshire Year of Physical Activity to include Pickleball as a priority sport for development.

Fast-forward eight years and Christine receives a tap on the shoulder from the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and HSP Board Member Annie Brewster, to inform her that she was to be the proud recipient of the HSP High Sheriff’s Award for her outstanding contribution to Pickleball in Hertfordshire – which now boasts some 4,000 registered players.

That rapid expansion is testament to the growing popularity of the sport locally, and across the UK, and has been achieved on the back of an army of hard-working volunteers. Christine and her former HSP colleague, Peter Simmons have been at the forefront of that effort and in Neyndorff’s case that involvement started with her local club, Braughing and District Pickleball Club, and latterly as a Board Member of Pickleball England.

Her experience in the sport and leisure sector has been invaluable and in typical fashion, she has approached the task with gusto, and her welcoming approach and enthusiasm and passion for the sport are often cited as the reason that others have joined the Pickleball movement in the county.

In presenting the award, the High Sheriff, Annie Brewster, said:

“I am delighted to present this award to Christine in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the growth of this wonderful sport, locally. I have known Christine for many years and indeed, it was her that ignited my own passion for grassroots sport and encouraged me to join the Board of the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership.

The growth of Pickleball in Hertfordshire is a real success story and although it is a sport for all, it is particularly encouraging to see older adults – some of whom have long term conditions – getting involved, making friends, doing some exercise and in some cases moving through the ranks to compete with those at the elite level. I would urge anyone who hasn’t yet tried the game, to give it a go. You will not be disappointed!”

As well as her volunteering, Neyndorff has made steady progression in the sport despite a double knee replacement, and recently returned with two silver medals from the English National Championships in Bolton where she competed in the over 70’s category.

Current HSP director John O’Callaghan, who attended the High Sheriff’s award presentation said:

“I remember clearly when, eight years ago, Christine came into the office to tell us that she had discovered the next big thing – Pickleball! Despite my initial scepticism, her infectious enthusiasm persuaded us to get behind the sport and encourage its growth in Hertfordshire. Her prediction was spot on!”

The look of surprise on Christine’s face when the High Sheriff announced that it was her that she had come to recognise with the award was a joy to behold.”

Further details about the growth of Pickleball in Hertfordshire contact Peter Simmons, pjgsimmons@gmail.com