COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – April 2, 2026 — Pickleball Coaching International, a global provider of pickleball coaching certifications, and the Medical University of South Carolina today announced the launch of Pick It Up, a specialized coaching certification program designed to train instructors on safely teaching pickleball to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
One person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every six minutes in the U.S. Research indicates that pickleball can improve cognitive, social and gross motor skills of individuals living with Parkinson’s, and the Pick It Up curriculum ensures that coaches can provide evidence-informed instruction tailored to the specific mobility and safety needs of these players.
“Pick It Up goes beyond a traditional pickleball clinic, educating coaches on the fundamentals of Parkinson’s disease and how to integrate purposeful movement patterns into the game, while emphasizing safety and fostering participant confidence,” said Vanessa Hinson, Professor of Neurology and Director of the MUSC Movement Disorders Division.
The curriculum translates clinical insights from movement disorder specialists into practical, court-ready methods. Participating coaches learn to adapt drills for balance, manage the unique learning curves associated with the disease and foster participant confidence in a social environment.
"Our goal at PCI has always been to elevate the standard of instruction across the globe, and partnering with MUSC allows us to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and on-court play," said Mark Renneson, founder of PCI. "We wanted to be involved in this initiative because we recognize the profound impact the sport can have on the Parkinson’s community. By empowering coaches with the right tools, we are ensuring that more players can experience the benefits of the game safely and effectively."
The certification is now available to instructors worldwide. Existing PCI-certified coaches and those looking to specialize in adaptive sports can enroll in the initial cohort, timed to begin in April, which is Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
Coaches can enroll in the standalone Pick It UP certification for $150-199, or purchase a coaching bundle, which includes Level 1 certification and the specialized Parkinson’s training for $549. For more information on the Pick It Up certification or to enroll in the program, visit Selkirk.com.
About Pickleball Coaching International:
PCI is a global leader in pickleball instructor education. With a focus on evidence-based teaching methods, PCI provides certifications that empower coaches to grow the sport at all skill levels and across diverse populations.
About the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC):
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is a leading academic health system committed to advancing health through innovative research, comprehensive education, and high-quality patient care. MUSC is nationally recognized for its research enterprise, fostering innovation across biomedical, clinical, and population health sciences to address pressing health challenges.
About Selkirk Sport
Selkirk Sport, a premium manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, is a family-owned and operated company. Selkirk Sport is based in Hayden, Idaho, in the shadows of its namesake, the Selkirk mountain range. Founded in 2014, Selkirk Sport was born from a passion for sport and the Western outdoor leisure lifestyle that was afforded to the company’s founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, along with their father Jim. Selkirk Sport is committed to manufacturing products that deliver the highest performance with unmatched quality and service.
Media contact:
Brynn Grissom: Brynn@Selkirk.com
