Children’s Book “How Pickleball Saved Ollie Otter” Supports USA Pickleball

One man’s inspiration to write a children’s book about pickleball is now supporting USA Pickleball! Lawrence Blundred, of Cincinnati, OH, was inspired to write “How Pickleball Saved Ollie Otter” by his love for the sport, the birth of his grandson Oliver, and an opportunity to share the legacy of his late wife, Donna, who was with him when he first dreamt of the idea for the book.

While Lawrence’s addiction of pickleball grew, Donna was always there to support him and many times she herself would play with the Cincinnati Pickleball Club. Even though she had been fighting her own battle with brain cancer, her positive light shined on the court, whether she was playing or watching the group, and Lawrence’s pickleball friends embraced her.

“They always talked to her and encouraged her, despite physical limitations linked to the brain cancer,” said Lawrence. “I wrote this book to support and encourage pickleball players and to honor Donna’s legacy. What mattered to her most was what we all find with pickleball; fun, acceptance, community, encouragement, and good exercise.”

Lawrence is one of 500 members of the Cincinnati Pickleball Club, started by USA Pickleball Ambassador Mitch Dunn. As a group they are proud to be helping to grow the sport by working alongside their local Mayor and many community partners to host events for adults and youth at their local 12-court pickleball facility, Sawyer Point.

All of us at USA Pickleball are grateful for Donna’s inspiration for Lawrence to write this children’s book to share the positivity of the sport we love with young people. For every book sold, Lawrence is donating $0.50 directly to USA Pickleball to support the Junior Programs.

For more details about Lawrence’s book, please visit pickleball-forever.com.