KidsMatter to Conduct Official Guinness World Records™ attempt for Largest Simultaneous Pickleball Lesson

Community partners rally together to promote mental health and connection through sport

NAPERVILLE, ILL. — KidsMatter is teaming up with local education and community partners to conduct an Official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt for the largest simultaneous pickleball lesson ever held on the morning of Feb. 12. This initiative aims to unite participants across all generations and demographics to highlight the positive effects of movement on mental and physical health.

Event Logistics and Participation
The lesson will be led via Zoom by Coach Joe Canda, of Sure Shot Pickleball in Naperville, and was prepared by Randy Kempke, of ADA Sports and Racquets in Kansas City, Kansas.

• Participants: At least 251 participants are expected to gather across multiple locations.
• Host site: Naperville North High School will serve as the primary hub for the attempt.
• Satellite locations: Additional instruction will take place at the Naperville Park District and Sure Shot Pickleball.
• Registration: Participants can register at form.jotform.com/260216497211048.

Media Invitation
Members of the media are invited to cover the Official Guinness World Records™ attempt live at Naperville North High School.

• Location: 899 N. Mill St., Naperville, 60563.
• Arrival: 9:00 a.m. for check-in at the front desk (driver’s license required).
• Event start time: The live lesson begins promptly at 9:25 a.m.
• On-Site contact: Sherilyn Hebel, Director of Programs: (630) 605-0904.

The Mission
This event aligns with KidsMatter’s mission to build resilient youth by encouraging them to say “NO” to destructive choices and “YES” to endless possibilities. By leveraging the popularity of pickleball, the organization hopes to strengthen community bonds and empower youth to realize their value.

KidsMatter is grateful to participating schools across DuPage, Kane and Will counties for their support and is excited to gather for a fun way to practice pickleball skills, boost mental well-being, build community, and conduct an Official Guinness World Records™ attempt in the process.

For details or to support KidsMatter programs — including the world record attempt and other initiatives to empower youth — contact Sherilyn Hebel, director of programs, at sherilyn@kidsmatter2us.org or visit kidsmatter2us.org/ways-to-give/donate/.

About KidsMatter: Recognized as Naperville’s proactive, youth-oriented human services organization, KidsMatter’s mission is to build resilient kids who say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to endless possibilities. Established in 2001, and now celebrating its 25th year, KidsMatter empowers kids to realize their purpose, know their value, and discover their pathway through programs addressing youth mental health, leadership development and career exploration. A leader among nonprofits, KidsMatter harnesses the power of partnerships to help young people build developmental assets, including positive values, healthy relationships and self-esteem. KidsMatter has been highlighted by NBC 5 Chicago’s Making a Difference in 2024 for providing Youth Mental Health First Aid courses and by CBS News Chicago in 2023 for the Kindness Counts Campaign. With programming focused on preventing problems in the lives of youth before they start — and an extensive network of parents, educators and resources — KidsMatter equips youth and families with essential tools to manage the societal pressures and stresses of everyday life.