Doctor Pickleball: Mark Donnelly

The 50plus Oregon Senior Games series returns, featuring some of the 50+ phenoms who’ll be competing in the Games in Corvallis Aug 13-19.

Watch this space now through game time to meet fun, fascinating people who make the Games an experience to remember — for competitors, volunteers, and spectators alike!

This week, meet pickleball paragon, Mark Donnelly.

Doctor Pickleball

Six years ago, emergency-room physician Mark Donnelly gave pickleball a try. He recalls, “I used a loaner paddle and remember flailing around and falling down as I chased after balls hit to my court.”

At home, Mark studied pickleball YouTube videos to better master the rules and improve his strategy. “It didn’t take long to be hooked,” he smiles. Now he recommends the sport to patients who need to increase their activity levels to maintain their health.

You’ll often find Mark at the Lebanon Pickleball Club, where five active players are 80 or older. “I’ll be encouraging them to participate in this year’s Senior Games,” he promises. As usual, he’ll be there too.

• BY RANDAL C. HILL