Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) in collaboration with the Sabah Pickleball Association (Sapa) organised a first successful Level 1 Certified Pickleball Instructor Course on August 17-18 in the city.
The two-day course was led by MPA President Farrel Choo with coordination efforts managed by Vice President of Putrajaya Pickleball Association Hussin Ali, Sapa President Julitah Akabal and Dr Elia Godoong (Sapa member).
This inaugural course held in the city here saw enthusiastic participation from 31 attendees representing various regions, according to Sapa statement, recently.
There were 21 participants from Kota Kinabalu followed by Tawau (4), Kuching, Sarawak (4) and each one from Semporna and Keningau.
Sapa Vice President Ar Robert JH Chiang said, Farrel Choo delivered a comprehensive curriculum covering the basic and fundamental rules of pickleball through both theoretical and practical lessons.
“Each participant received workbooks to assist them in conducting beginner courses in the future.
“By successfully completing this Level 1 instructor course, participants are now qualified to teach and introduce pickleball to beginners, further promoting the sport across Malaysia,” he added.
The organiser also thanked 1Sulaman Platinum Tower management for allowing them to conduct the course at their sport hall.
Robert said, for those who like to learn more about pickleball or like to arrange for an introduction course can contact Sapa via their Facebook page.
Pickleball now is considered to be the fastest growing sport in Sabah. The game started about three years ago and initially several competitions were initiated among its members to kickstart the game’s interest.
It is a combination of tennis and ping-pong with a bit of squash skills. Pickleball requires a racket or paddle where in which two player or four (doubles) hit a hollow ball to determine the winner.
Players are pitted against each other until one side conceded to being unable to return the ball which will then determines the winners. It is similar to tennis but the difference is that pickleball is played on a smaller court.
