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Cape’s Mike Welter named a Humana Game Changer

Top-ranked pickleball player recognized at the 2022 National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale

By CJ HADDAD - | May 17, 2022

Mike Welter, 69 of Cape Coral is a retired, 30-year United States Marine Corps veteran who is now an accomplished pickleball player. Mike has overcome significant adversity in his lifetime but continues to set a great example for healthy aging and staying active. Mike is competing in the 2022 National Senior Games and was honored as a 2022 Humana Game Changer. Friday, May 13, 2022 in Fort Lauderdale. (Jesus Aranguren/AP Images for Humana Inc.)

A top-ranked pickleball player who calls Cape Coral home was recognized on a national level for his perseverance and competed with the best this past weekend.

Mike Welter, 69, was honored as a Humana Game Changer at the 2022 National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, an award given to athletes who exemplify healthy aging and provides encouragement, motivation and inspiration for all seniors to start living healthy lifestyles.

Welter was selected as one of 12 Humana Game Changers out of the nearly 12,000 competing athletes. Welter has worked through an arduous recovery following a stroke in 2018. It is now his mission to inspire others – especially his fellow seniors – to be active.

“I’m humbled,” Welter said of having received the honor. “I was excited. And I’m extremely proud of my fight to come back to have an active and healthy lifestyle.”

Welter also earned the 2017 Florida Senior Games Male Athlete of the Year and suffered his stroke prior to the 2018 Florida Senior Games. He has battled his way back and is competing regularly in the local, state and national games.

Mike Welter, 69, is one of 12 Humana Game Changers at this year’s National Senior Games. This medal represents Mike’s commitment to healthy aging and the encouragement, motivation, and inspiration he provides to people of all ages. In 2018, he suffered a stroke and became paralyzed on the left side of his body. The pickleball community supported Mike through an arduous recovery, which has allowed him to compete again. (Jesus Aranguren/AP Images for Humana Inc.)

He sees his Humana Game Changer award as a “comeback player of the year” type of recognition.

“It meant a whole lot to me,” Welter said.

Welter slowly but surely progressed in throughout his recovery, and said if it wasn’t for pickleball, he’s not sure how quickly he would be back to his current lifestyle. Welter had to be helped onto the pickleball court at one time following his stroke, and now, says he feels 99 percent back.

“I was just a fighter and I wanted to play pickleball again,” Welter said. “I feel great, and pickleball and the pickleball community has been a big part of that.”

Welter competed in the Men’s Doubles 65-69 age group with partner Andy Gutierrez at the National Senior Games, also from Cape Coral. The pair did not medal, but battled valiantly and were eliminated by the team that went on to win the championship. Cancelled last year due to COVID-19, Welter said it was a fantastic opportunity to be part of the festive atmosphere the games bring and get out on the court with familiar faces.

Cape Coral's Mike Welter, 69 , is an advocate for pickleball who practices three hours a day, five days a week and has taught many people how to play the sport. Even while overcoming health issues, Mike stayed active and continued to play, exemplifying health aging, which is why he was selected as one of Humana’s 12 Game Changers this year on Friday, May 13, in Fort Lauderdale. (Jesus Aranguren/AP Images for Humana Inc.)

“Being the very competitive person that I am, I was absolutely just ecstatic to be able to go over and be part of the competition,” Welter said. “I saw a lot of good friends of mine and it was just great to be back.”

Regarded as the fastest-growing sport in America, pickleball can be played by all ages and walks of life, and Welter said being immersed in the pickleball community has provided him with connections and friendships he’d otherwise have missed out on. All while playing a fun and active sport.

“Pickleball is the most social sport that I’ve ever been involved with,” Welter said. “When I got hurt, my pickleball people surrounded me with friendship and love and helped me to help fight my way back to be able to go and compete again.”

With the city of Cape Coral slated to add additional pickleball courts at parks throughout the city in the coming years, Welter said it’s never too late to get active and get familiar with something new.

“Do something. Do anything,” Welter said when asked what his message to senior residents of Cape Coral would be. “Stay active and get healthy. Get out and walk. Get out and ride a bike. Get out and swim. Lead a healthy, active lifestyle. That’s what retirement is. Keep fit and have fun and be with people that you care about. I’ve met a whole lot of new friends on the pickleball court and they inspire me to just keep working at it.”

–Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj