从小众到“顶流” 这项球类运动转出大产业

Core Insights - Pickleball has gained significant popularity in Shangyou, a small city with a resident population of less than 300,000, due to its accessibility and low entry barrier [1][5] - The sport combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis, making it suitable for all age groups and easy to learn [3][5] Group 1: Popularity and Accessibility - Over 50,000 people have come to experience pickleball in Shangyou, with courts bustling after work and on weekends [5] - The local government has constructed over 310 pickleball courts, achieving a "5-minute sports circle" coverage in urban areas [7][8] Group 2: Development Strategy - In 2023, local officials recognized the potential of pickleball as a low-cost, all-age fitness project during a study in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [8] - The county has implemented a "one county, one product, all-area layout" strategy to promote pickleball as a key component of its sports industry development [8] Group 3: Educational and Competitive Initiatives - Pickleball has been made a mandatory physical education course in 36 local primary and secondary schools, with over 100 teams formed and more than 50 events held [8] - The county has invested 10 million yuan annually to support the development of the pickleball industry, including training and hosting national competitions [8] Group 4: Economic Impact - The rise of pickleball has stimulated local industries, with a manufacturing company innovating new materials for paddles, leveraging local fiberglass advantages [10] - From January to October, the county received 10.66 million tourists, generating a total tourism revenue of 10.78 billion yuan, showcasing the integration of sports and tourism [13]