Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s Launches in Stamford as Doctors Promote, “Movement as Medicine”

A new program using pickleball to support people living with Parkinson’s disease officially launched this week at Pickleball America in downtown Stamford, drawing more than 50 attendees for an afternoon of education, demonstrations, and community connection.

Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s (PB4PD) was created to help individuals with Parkinson’s improve mobility, confidence, and social engagement through safe, adaptive play. The pilot program launched with support from Yale New Haven Health, Greenwich Hospital, the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s, Hartford Healthcare, USA Pickleball and Pickleball America.

The event featured neurologists including Dr. Alice Rusk of Yale Medicine and neurosurgeon Dr. Zion Zibly of Greenwich Hospital and Yale School of Medicine, who highlighted growing research showing the benefits of regular movement for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

“As we continue advancing treatments to help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it’s just as important to support programs that empower patients in their day‑to‑day lives,” said Dr. Zibly. “Initiatives like Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s give people a chance to move, connect and regain a sense of control, complementing medical therapies with community and confidence.”

Founder Sean Harrigan, a Greenwich resident recently diagnosed and living with Parkinson’s, created the program after experiencing firsthand how pickleball improved his balance, strength, and mental health. “Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s is about more than the game,” Harrigan said. “It’s about confidence, connection, and giving people a supportive community where they can move and thrive.”

“There is growing scientific evidence that regular movement can significantly improve balance, mobility, and overall quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease,” said Dr. Alice Rusk of Yale Medicine. “Programs like Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s are important because they combine physical activity with social engagement—two powerful tools for maintaining brain and body health.”

Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s plans to expand programming and regular play sessions in Stamford and throughout Fairfield County. The initiative aims to create a welcoming environment where individuals living with Parkinson’s can stay active, build friendships, and discover the power of movement together. For more information contact: mia@pickleballamerica.us