Chieng (seated, centre) with representatives from the 10 schools at a meeting in Sibu to discuss promoting pickleball at their schools.
TEN secondary schools in Sibu, Sarawak, are looking at setting up pickleball clubs and including the paddle sport in their co-curricular programmes.
In the collaboration between Sibu Pickleball Association and Sibu Education Department, students participating in these programmes will earn co-curricular activity points.
This effort aims to provide a solid platform for the growth of pickleball in Sibu and across Sarawak.
The association held a briefing with school representatives to discuss the setting up of the clubs.
This was met with enthusiasm even though final approvals rest with the respective school administration.
Association president Joseph Chieng said the 10 schools are SMK Sacred Heart, SMK Methodist, SMK Bukit Assek, Catholic High School, SMK St Elizabeth, SM Wong Nai Siong, SMK Deshon, SMK Tung Hua, SMK Bandar Sibu and SMK Sungai Merah.
To ensure a smooth start for the clubs, Chieng said the association would supply each school with pickleball equipment comprising four paddles, six pickleballs and portable net.
The association also plans to host the first Sibu Inter-School Pickleball Tournament at the end of the year.
“Pickleball is a fast-growing sport suitable for all ages.
“Introducing it in schools will not only encourage students’ interest in sports but also enhance teamwork and physical fitness.
“Through this programme, we aim to cultivate pickleball talent in Sibu and Sarawak,” Chieng added.
The association will continue collaborating with the education department and schools to ensure the programme’s success, he added.
Chieng also urged more schools to join in to promote and expand the sport’s reach.
