“Back to School Kids Tournament: Developing Young Athletes Through Pickleball”
The Pesega Pickleball Club in Samoa recently hosted a unique Back to School Kids Tournament, bringing young athletes together for a day of friendly competition and personal growth. The tournament, organized by Brother Nemes, aimed to not only develop the physical fitness of participants but also their leadership, resilience, and teamwork skills.
Unlike traditional tournaments where players only had a partner, this event featured teams of five or six kids. Each team played at least four matches, encouraging a mix of leadership and teamwork among the young athletes. Brother Nemes emphasized the importance of balancing the teams to create fair competition, teaching patience, resilience, and emotional strength, especially in the face of defeat.
Pickleball, a racquet sport that improves hand-eye coordination and can increase lifespan, also builds community and camaraderie among players of all ages. Participants of the tournament expressed their enthusiasm for the sport, with 12-year-old Sausili sharing, “I like to play pickleball because it’s really fun to go with my family and friends before school starts.”
More experienced players like 14-year-old Shauna Cruz highlighted their role in encouraging younger participants and setting a good example for them. Pickleball enthusiast Zaldi Sua described the sport as “unique, awesome, and the best to play,” encouraging others to give it a try.
For seasoned player Selena Hunt, pickleball is about giving back to the community and supporting the younger generation. She sees the sport as a great opportunity for Samoan kids to showcase their talent and potentially even earn scholarships or compete in the Olympics in the future.
Brother Nemes envisions a bright future for pickleball in Samoa, believing that with dedication, Samoan players could make it to the Olympics as early as 2028 or 2032. He invites people of all ages to give pickleball a try, emphasizing that it is a sport for everyone and not just for older individuals.
The Pesega Pickleball Club continues to inspire youth and families in Samoa through their dedication to fostering both athletic and personal development. With their unique approach to tournaments and emphasis on teamwork and leadership, the club is creating a positive impact on the local community.
