Would you play pickleball in 50 states in 50 days?Â
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Well, Chong "CK" Kim did just that. He recently completed his 11,000 mile tour of the U.S. - including Alaska and Hawaii - in just under 50 days! And he did it all for a very good cause: To promote mental health awareness and erase the stigma so often attached to this illness that affects so many.
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His plan was simple: Starting in Texas, he drove across the U.S., stopping at a pickleball court in each state. He didn't know who he'd meet or where he'd play, but every time he dropped in he found pickleballers of all ages and skill levels who welcomed him and invited him to play. As so often happens in pickleball, these strangers quickly became friends.
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Most importantly, CK was able to spread his message of positivity across the country, one state and one court at a time. This trip was especially meaningful for him because he did it in memory of a good friend and pickleball teammate who sadly took his own life just a few months ago. CK was moved by the support of the pickleball community and the hundreds of people who came out to honor his friend's life, and that inspired him to start this challenge.
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We're proud to support CK's mission and look forward to even bigger plans he has in the coming year (like breaking a Guiness Book of World Record for the Longest Pickleball Marathon)!
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You can follow CK's journey on Instagram: @ckinc1Â
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This is what pickleball is all about! We're honored to be a part of this amazing community and the joy it brings to so many.
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Photo: CK traveling the country in our Upside Down PICKLE Cap.
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We'll see you on the court!
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How has pickleball made a positive impact in your life? Share your thoughts below!