Charity pickleball tournament crowns champions

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 11): Chicken Little, Thunderman II and Top Spins were crowned champions in the End Polio Now Charity Pickleball Tournament, here, Sunday.

Chicken Little brought home RM1,000 as they reached the top in the Women’s Double (Novice) category after going head-to-head with Velocity Dinkers (second place won RM800) in the final while Pickleball Buddies were second runner-up (brought home RM600).

In the Men’s Double (Novice), Thunderman II who triumphed over Kang Garas also brought home RM1,000, making the former champions of the category while Thunderman V won third place.

Top Spin were announced as the winners of the Mixed Doubles (Novice) category after defeating Thunderman III in the final round while Thunderman IV secured third position.

Organized by the Premier Pickleball Club led by its organizing chairperson Tricia Mojulat, the competition saw participation of some 100 players partnered together to “smash” their way through in the charity tournament.

Meanwhile, Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK Pearl) Vice President Datuk Eliza Goh expressed appreciation to partners, sponsors and participants following a successful charity event held in support of the Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign.

“Our heartfelt thanks to our co-organizers, Sabah Credit Corporation and YONO (You Only Need One app) as well as our venue partner, Infinity Sports Arena, for making this event possible.

“We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors and partners: Skechers, Blazestar, Jari Jari Spa, FitCO (Sports Apparel), F&N and Langkah Syabas,” she said.

Eliza – who represented RCKK Pearl President Datin Dr Janeatte Tambakau – conveyed her appreciation to the volunteers from the club led by Regional Polio Plus Chair Past President Rosie Chong whose dedication ensure a smooth programme.

“But most importantly we would like to express our most sincere appreciation to all participants and supporters, thank you for playing with purpose.

“Your involvement today helps bring us one step closer to a polio-free world. Together, through sport and service, we are making a real impact in this world. And together we strive to End Polio Now!” she added.

During the programme, RCKK Pearl received RM5,000 for the club’s End Polio Now campaign, which remains their priority service, championed through sustained advocacy, partnerships and fundraising initiatives to achieve a polio-free world.