Pickleball for a Cause: Charity Tournament Backs End Polio Now Drive

9 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Chicken Little, Thunderman II and Top Spin emerged as champions in their respective categories at the End Polio Now Charity Pickleball Tournament held here on Sunday.

Chicken Little clinched the Women’s Doubles (Novice) title and RM1,000 after defeating Velocity Dinkers in the final. Velocity Dinkers finished second, earning RM800, while Pickleball Buddies secured third place with RM600.

In the Men’s Doubles (Novice) category, Thunderman II triumphed over Kang Garas to claim the championship and RM1,000. Thunderman V finished third.

Top Spin were crowned winners of the Mixed Doubles (Novice) category after overcoming Thunderman III in the final, with Thunderman IV taking third place.

Organised by the Premier Pickleball Club under the leadership of organising chairperson Tricia Mojulat, the charity tournament attracted around 100 players competing in support of a good cause.

Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK Pearl) Vice-President Datuk Eliza Goh expressed appreciation to partners, sponsors and participants for contributing to the success of the event, which supported Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to our co-organisers, Sabah Credit Corporation and YONO (You Only Need One app), as well as our venue partner, Infinity Sports Arena, for making this event possible,” she said.

She also acknowledged the support of sponsors and partners, namely Skechers, Blazestar, Jari Jari Spa, FitCO (Sports Apparel), F&N and Langkah Syabas.

Representing RCKK Pearl President Datin Dr Janeatte Tambakau, Eliza also thanked club volunteers led by Regional Polio Plus Chair and past president Rosie Chong, whose dedication ensured the smooth running of the programme.

“Most importantly, we thank all participants and supporters for playing with purpose. Your involvement brings us one step closer to a polio-free world. Through sport and service, we are making a real impact as we strive to End Polio Now,” she added.

During the event, RCKK Pearl received RM5,000 in support of its End Polio Now campaign, which remains the club’s priority service initiative, driven through ongoing advocacy, partnerships and fundraising efforts aimed at achieving a polio-free world.