SIBU: A total of 16 teams from 13 secondary schools will compete and showcase their skills in the first-ever Sibu Division Inter-School Pickleball Competition to be held at SMI Pickleball Centre here on September 5 to 6.
The tournament will be hosted by Sibu Pickleball Association (SPA) and is supported by the Sibu Division Education Department.
SPA’s President, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, who is also Bukit Assek Assemblyman, stated this marked an important step in promoting pickleball in schools.
He hoped that through this tournament, students can continuously improve their skills through friendly competition, foster team spirit, and become the new generation of pickleball talents.
At the same time, he stressed that this event will also serve as a platform to select representatives for the Sibu Division’s secondary school pickleball team.
On Friday afternoon (August 29), a team managers’ meeting was held at SMK Sacred Heart, followed by the drawing of lots witnessed by Chieng.
The tournament is grouped into A, B, C and D.
Group A will comprise SM Kiang Hin, SMK Methodist B, SMK Tung Hua B and SMK St Elizabeth/Sacred Heart while Group B consists of SMK Agama Sibu, Woodlands International School, SMK Deshon and SMK Sacred Heart/SMK St Elizabeth.
Catholic High School A, SM Wong Nai Siong, SMK Sungai Merah and SMK Bandar Sibu make up for Group C whereas Group D are SMK Bukit Assek, SMK Tung Hua A, Catholic High School B and SMK Methodist A.
According to the schedule, player registration will begin at 7:00 am on September 5, followed by the opening ceremony and group stage matches.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinal knockout stage on September 6, culminating in the final match to determine the overall champion.
Chieng warmly invites pickleball lovers, students, parents and the public to attend, show their support, and cheer for the players.
