Team X.O: Elevating Ipoh as a Premier Pickleball Destination
A Vision for Pickleball Tourism in Perak
WEIL Hotel Sponsors Team X.O in Their Quest for Excellence
Transforming Ipoh Through the Power of Pickleball
Celebrating Community and Sport: The Xtra Ordinary Journey
Team X.O: Ipoh’s Rising Stars Set to Transform Pickleball Scene
Ipoh, Malaysia – Team X.O (Xtra Ordinary) Pickleball, a dynamic squad of 35 enthusiastic players, is ready to make waves in the pickleball community, sporting vibrant red t-shirts sponsored by WEIL Hotel. This initiative marks a significant step in promoting both the sport and the city of Ipoh.
“Pickleball has exploded in many countries, and it’s quickly gaining traction here in Ipoh,” says Mr. Chong Him Shoong, President of the Ipoh Roadrunners Club and Captain of Team X.O. “In just the past year, we’ve seen a surge in pickleball courts and venues.”
Chong’s vision extends beyond just participating in tournaments. He aims to attract teams and players from across Malaysia and even internationally to Ipoh, encouraging them to explore the city’s rich attractions. “Pickleball tourism is a growing trend worldwide, and we want to leverage that to showcase what Ipoh has to offer,” he explains.
Plans are underway to create comprehensive packages that combine pickleball, tours, and accommodation, making it easier for visitors to experience the sport and the local culture. “We’re grateful to WEIL Hotel for recognizing the potential of pickleball and Team X.O. Together, we aim to put Ipoh on the global pickleball map, one event at a time,” Chong adds.
Mr. Liew Yu-Wei, Managing Director of WEIL Hotel, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re honored to support Team X.O. Pickleball is a sport that families can enjoy together, and we believe in its potential to transform Ipoh into a pickleball destination,” he said.
The collaboration has already begun to bear fruit, with groups from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and even Singapore booking stays at WEIL Hotel to play pickleball. “We’ve received numerous inquiries about pickleball courts at our hotel, which may lead us to consider adding facilities,” Liew noted.
Team X.O Manager Mr. Lam Kar Wai emphasized the team’s inclusive nature, catering to players of all skill levels. “We’re here to promote our hometown in a fun and sociable way. Our versatility allows us to compete at high levels while also welcoming newcomers to the sport,” he said. “This is what makes us Xtra Ordinary.”
As Team X.O gears up for upcoming tournaments, they are also collaborating with local sports and tourism councils to develop stay-and-play packages, further enhancing Ipoh’s appeal as a vibrant, family-friendly destination.
With the spirit of innovation and community at its core, Team X.O is poised to elevate Ipoh’s status in the world of pickleball, proving that extraordinary things can indeed start from humble beginnings.
