Malaysia’s First Unity Pickleball Tournament brought nearly 120 participants to the 91 Pickleball Club House in Subang Jaya this December. Organized by SportsUnite Sports Club, the event aimed to foster unity through sport by requiring teams to include players from different racial backgrounds, celebrating diversity and togetherness.
A Celebration of Unity and Diversity
The tournament created a festive atmosphere, with players competing in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles categories. Christmas decorations brightened the venue, reflecting the joyful spirit of the event. According to Shergar Reza Dina Rizal, chairman of SportsUnite Sports Club, the tournament was designed to bring communities together.
“The goal is to promote unity through sport,”. “We want to bring people together and create lasting memories, transcending barriers like race, culture, and even politics.”(Shergar Reza Dina Rizal)
The rule mandating teams to consist of players from different racial backgrounds emphasized the event’s core message. Shergar noted how his upbringing among friends from various races inspired the club’s founders to use sports as a unifying force.
Accessible and Inclusive Competition
To maintain a welcoming environment, top-level players were intentionally not invited, making the tournament accessible to everyone.
“We intentionally avoided inviting top-level players to keep things light and accessible,”. “This allowed everyone to enjoy the experience and connect with each other.”(Shergar Reza Dina Rizal)
The tournament exceeded expectations, with spots filling quickly and a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. The event was supported by volunteers, sponsors, and partners like Lam Soon and Antabax, who contributed to its success while ensuring its inclusive message stayed intact.
A Vision for the Future
The tournament ended on a high note, with participants celebrating their shared experience. Reflecting on the event, Shergar emphasized its true significance:
“There are no winners or losers here. Everyone who participated is a winner because they felt the joy of unity.”(Shergar Reza Dina Rizal)
With plans already underway for the 2025 edition, the Unity Pickleball Tournament has set the stage for more initiatives that harness the power of sport to bring people together. This inaugural event demonstrated that unity through diversity is achievable and celebrated in Malaysia.
News in Brief: Malaysia’s First Unity Pickleball Tournament
The inaugural Unity Pickleball Tournament in Malaysia attracted nearly 120 players to Subang Jaya’s 91 Pickleball Club House this December. Organized by SportsUnite Sports Club, the event celebrated unity through diversity by requiring teams to include players from different racial backgrounds. Festive decorations and accessible competition created a welcoming atmosphere. Chairman Shergar Reza Dina Rizal highlighted the tournament’s goal to transcend barriers and foster lasting connections. Plans for a 2025 edition are already underway, reinforcing sports as a unifying force in Malaysia.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Tournament Aids CRC’s Winter Clothes Drive: A Community Success Story
