KOTA KINABALU: The Premier Pickleball Tournament in aid of End Polio Now concluded yesterday at APT, Teluk Likas, bringing together 52 teams and 104 players for a day of competition, camaraderie and community service.
Organised by Premier Pickleball Club, with Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK Pearl) as its strategic partner, the tournament used the power of sport to raise funds and awareness for the global effort to eradicate polio.
The event was attended by Datuk Haji Nizam Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Abu Bakar Titingan, Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy of Sabah. He watched the final challenge game and presented prizes to the winners.
The tournament highlighted the importance of continued vaccination, public awareness and financial support in protecting children from polio, a preventable disease that can cause permanent paralysis.
Hanna Ghani, President of Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl, said, “End Polio Now reminds us of the power of collective action. Every child deserves to grow up healthy and free from the threat of a preventable disease. Through this tournament, we hope to raise awareness, generate support and bring our community together for a polio-free world.”
Tricia Mojulat, President of Premier Pickleball Club, said, “We’re really proud that Premier Pickleball Club could partner with Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl to make this meaningful event happen. It’s wonderful to see how our love for pickleball can bring people together, not just for the sport, but for a cause that matters so much. Our goal was to raise funds for End Polio Now, and we’re truly grateful to everyone who supported us, participated and helped make this tournament a success. It’s a great feeling to know that together, we can make a difference beyond the court!”
The Guest of Honour, the Honourable Datuk Haji Nizam bin Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Abu Bakar Titingan, commended the organisers and participants, saying,“Sports are not only about winning trophies. They promote healthy lifestyles, teamwork and community spirit. I commend Premier Pickleball Club and Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl for using sport to support End Polio Now and make a positive difference in the community.”
The organisers congratulated the winners on their performances and thanked all teams for their participation and sportsmanship.
For the Men’s Doubles the winners are Champion: HH Private Club — Kairil bin Abdul Rasak and Muhammad Faizul, Runner-up: HH Sepanggar — Suhaimie bin Samsu and Mamatt and Third place: Q2 — Rahman and Khairil
Women’s doubles winners were Champion: Court Red Handed — Courtney Barlow and Ruby Manyi Chan, Runner-up: PCC & Friends — Salmiana (Chun Li) Pontou and Vionna Mecka Joinim and Third place: Smash Sisters — Ellen Chong and Kok Shin Yi
The Mixed doubles winners were Champion: Just for Fun — Chynthia Tseu and Danson Chu, Runner-up: Vibe till you Doon — Sophia Ngu and Nicholas Lin and Third place: Great Play — Jeannie Chin and Ryan.
The organisers thanked the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy of Sabah, Skechers, Dana Sukan Komuniti Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (DSK KBS), Borneo Housing, 100PLUS, Cocomax, Selkirk, Jari Jari Spa, Sabah Pickleball Association, Penampang Pickleball Club and APT for their valuable support.
They also extended their thanks to all 104 players, volunteers and supporters whose enthusiasm and contributions helped make the tournament a success.
The event showed how sporting organisations, service clubs, businesses and the wider community can unite behind a humanitarian cause. Beyond the competition, its message was clear: together, we can help build a world free from polio.-pr/BNN
