SIBU: In a joint effort by the Sibu Pickleball Association (SPA) and the Sibu Education Department (SED), 10 secondary schools here are set to take the lead in establishing pickleball clubs and incorporating pickleball activities into their co-curricular programmes.
Students participating in these activities will earn co-curricular activity points. This initiative aims to lay a solid foundation for the development of pickleball in Sibu and Sarawak.
Yesterday (Dec 18), with the support of the SED, the SPA conducted a briefing session with representatives from the 10 secondary schools at the SED’s premises to introduce and discuss the formation of pickleball clubs.
Representatives from the schools welcomed and supported the initiative, noting that final approval will be required from their respective school administrations.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, who is also the SPA president and chaired the meeting, highlighted that the state education department (JPNS) has officially issued a letter of approval for the formation of pickleball clubs in Sibu secondary schools.
According to him, the department also recognises the co-curricular activity points students will earn by participating in pickleball. This approval provides critical support for integrating pickleball into school programmes.
During the first phase, he revealed that the 10 participating secondary 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.
Chieng announced that the SPA will provide each participating school with a set of pickleball equipment, including four paddles, six pickleballs, and one portable net, to ensure the smooth implementation of club activities.
He also revealed that the SPA plans to organise the inaugural Sibu Inter-School Pickleball Tournament by the end of 2025 to further promote the sport.
“Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport suitable for people of all ages. Introducing it into schools not only fosters students’ interest in sports but also enhances their teamwork skills and physical fitness. Through this initiative, we hope to nurture more pickleball talent in Sibu and Sarawak.
“SPA will continue to work closely with the SED and the schools to ensure the successful implementation of this programme. I also call upon more schools to join in the future to collectively promote the popularisation and development of pickleball,” he said.
Among those present were Sibu District Education Deputy Officer (Students’ Development Sector) Kong Chiong Hui, SPA Deputy President Daniel Iing Shii Ngie, and SPA Secretary Councillor Kiing Teck Ho.
