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Nkosilathi Sibanda, Online Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Pickleball Association (ZPA) president Mthandazo Ngwenya has said this year they will put all their effort in reaching out to communities and schools, in their quest to spread the game.
He said schools were the ideal platform to get as many people to know about pickleball and also help young people develop an interest.
Pickleball is played using a racquet or paddle to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a net. It can be played by either two players or four players.
The sport was introduced last year in the country and ZPA is now tasked to promote the sport, according to Ngwenya.
“It is in our plans to spread the game to schools so that we reach out to as many people, with the target being to instill interest among school going children, whom we believe carry the future of the sport,” he said.
Ngwenya said they have put in place training programmes where they will identify coaches in schools who will be trained further on the aspects of pickleball.
Riding on the recent training of trainers course that was conducted in Bulawayo, Ngwenya is optimistic that the game will create interest.
“Pickleball is a sport that embraces inclusivity, camaraderie, and friendly competition. It has been gaining significant popularity around the world.
As the Zimbabwe Pickleball Association, we are dedicated to promoting and spreading the joy of this wonderful sport throughout our nation and at the heart of this endeavour lies our trainers, who play an essential role in building a strong foundation for the growth of pickleball in Zimbabwe,” he said.
-@NkosieLegend
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter