Connect Through Play

Intergenerational Pickleball Event

• Connect Through Play is Gen Bridgeway's campaign for 2026. The idea is simple. Some of the best conversations between generations start with a shared game rather than a formal program. Every event pairs youth and older adults on the same court. Beginners are welcome. Volunteers teach the rules, mix the teams, and keep it friendly. You'll leave with new teammates, stories you hadn't heard, and probably a few sore muscles.

Play lowers the barrier. It's easier to talk while rallying than while sitting across a table.

Movement keeps us connected. Staying active supports health at every age, and it's more fun with a partner. A review of 148 studies covering more than 300,000 people found that those with stronger social relationships were 50% more likely to survive over the study periods (Holt-Lunstad et al., PLOS Medicine, 2010)

Everyone has something to teach. Youth bring energy and quick reflexes. Older players bring patience, strategy and life experience.

• Date:              Tuesday, October 6, 2026

• Time:              4:00 – 6:00 PM

• Location:       Sunnyvale Tennis Center, 755 S. Mathilda Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 

• Cost:               Free for registered participants 

• Who:               Ages 12 to 100+ whoever wants to play

• Bring:              Water and court shoes. Bring your own paddle if possible

• Play with us. Register as a participant. We'll match you with a partner and help you get started.​

• Bring someone from another generation. Invite a grandparent, grandchild, neighbor or friend, and register together.

• Volunteer. Students can help as court hosts, greeters, photographers or team organizers, and can earn documented service hours. 

• Host a game day. Want Connect Through Play at your school, community, or senior center? Contact us and we'll help you plan it.