CEBU, Philippines — A group of pickleball enthusiasts will re-introduce the sport here in Cebu, this time hoping to get bigger as the sport gains popularity in the country at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pickleball is a racket/paddle sport that was conceptualized by combining elements of several other racket sports. Currently, there are around a hundred expats and Cebuano pickleball players, majority of them are based in Cebu City and Moalboal.
To start off, there will be a pickleball clinic for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players on June 15 at G2G Sports Center along Mango Avenue.
It will be handled by international pickleball instructor Ken Cuaderno together with global ambassador Rodel Chiu and junior pro player Raphael Chiu.
Aside from the clinic, there will also be an exhibition match featuring some of Cebu’s best together with Raphael Chiu.
Currently, there are around a hundred ex-pats and Cebuano pickleball players, majority of them are based in Cebu City and Moalboal.
Those who can’t make it to the June 15 date may opt to go to SM Seaside City’s wing atrium on June 25-26 also for a clinic and exhibition match.
In a virtual press conference yesterday, Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) chairman John Pages said most of those who have tried the sport commented that pickleball is something that is very easy to learn.
As the Philippine Pickleball Federation puts in:“Many lack the strength and power required to play badminton or tennis, but everyone can play pickleball! It’s easy to hit the ball... to serve, volley and dink. The small court limits running, and the short paddle makes it easy to control your shots.”
Pickleball started as a backyard game in the U.S. but had gained ground only about 10 years ago among seniors. Recently, the sport is getting attention in several Asian countries.
In the Philippines, pickleball was introduced by the US-based pro pickleball player Sara Lee Ash whose family comes from Cebu seven years ago. It now gains popularity in some areas in Luzon.
To drum up the sport here, Rodel Chiu said they are hoping to bring it to the barangays just like in Pangasinan where some basketball courts were converted into pickleball courts while basketball is not allowed at the height of the pandemic.
Rnell Arsenal said pickleball fits well on most Filipinos as height is not a requirement nor an advantage. And given the competitive spirit of the Cebuanos, it would not be surprising if they excel in the sport even on the international stage in the future.