Manila, Philippines – The PPF or Philippine Pickleball Federation news broke last week, that the body was officially inducted into the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). This significant milestone marks a new chapter for pickleball in the archipelagic nation, paving the way for greater growth and development of the sport across the nation.
The PPF Leadership
The journey to this remarkable achievement was driven by the relentless efforts of key individuals within the PPF. Michael Ray Johnson, Armando Tantoco, Romualdo Dumuk, Corsini Ibanez, Margarita Maceda, and Giselle Cabrera have joined forces. Together, they’ve guided they’ve created a blueprint for other pickleball associations to formalize the sport.
Street Courts in Manila
Pickleball’s journey in the Philippines began with a humble clinic in Cebu City in early 2016. The sport’s popularity quickly spread, leading to the establishment of the first temporary courts on the streets of Emerald Avenue in Pasig City, part of the Manila Metropolitan area, in April 2018.
From these modest beginnings, pickleball has experienced exponential growth. Today, the Philippines boasts 228 pickleball courts, 89 clubs, 81 play venues (including pop-up courts), and a robust community of 4,100 players.
Induction into the POC
The induction of the PPF into the POC brings numerous benefits that will help to further accelerate the sport’s growth. One of the primary advantages is the financial and administrative support provided by the committee.
This support is crucial for expanding the sport among the youth, as it increases the likelihood of schools adopting pickleball as part of their curriculum. Integrating pickleball into school programs creates a pipeline for young players to develop their skills from an early age, preparing them for potential careers as professional players, coaches, or administrators.
Michael Ray Johnson highlighted the importance of this support, stating, “Being part of the Philippine Olympic Committee not only legitimizes our sport but also provides us with the necessary resources to reach more young players and develop future champions. This is a dream come true for the pickleball community in the Philippines.”
The administrative backing from the POC will also enable the PPF to implement structured training programs for coaches, ensuring that the sport maintains high standards of play and instruction. These programs will be instrumental in developing a network of qualified coaches who can nurture talent at the grassroots level and beyond.
Armando Tantoco, President of the PPF, expressed his excitement about the future of pickleball in the country. “This induction is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the PPF. It opens up new avenues for us to promote the sport and make it accessible to more Filipinos. We are committed to making pickleball a household name in the Philippines.”
Increasing Pickleball’s Visibility
The inclusion of pickleball in the POC is expected to increase the sport’s visibility, attracting more players and enthusiasts. The PPF plans to capitalize on this momentum by organizing national tournaments and participating in international competitions, showcasing Filipino talent on a global stage.
Romualdo Dumuk, Secretary General of the PPF, emphasized the long-term vision for the sport. “Our goal is to build a sustainable ecosystem for pickleball in the Philippines. With the support of the POC, we can provide our athletes with the best training facilities, coaching, and opportunities to compete at the highest levels.”
The PPF’s induction into the POC is not just a victory for pickleball but also a significant development for the broader Philippine sports community. It reflects the growing recognition of pickleball as a competitive sport with the potential to produce world-class athletes.
As the PPF moves forward with its ambitious plans, the entire pickleball community in the Philippines stands poised to benefit from increased opportunities and support. The future of pickleball in the Philippines looks brighter than ever, thanks to the tireless efforts of its leaders and the new partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee.
