29/09/2025
An Open Letter to Our Pickleball Community and Tournament Organizers
This past weekend, we gathered in Pamplona, Negros Oriental for the 1st Mayor Nikko Ramirez Vamos Pamplona Pickleball Tournament. What was meant to be a fun-filled two-day celebration of our shared passion for the sport quickly turned into a test of patience, resilience, and determination.
With the overwhelming number of entries and the challenges in preparation, games stretched on until the late hours of Saturday and Sunday. Many of our fellow players—some traveling from faraway towns and cities—had to wait until midnight, even dawn, just to complete their matches. With the second day falling on a Sunday, this was especially tough, knowing that players, organizers, and families still had responsibilities and work to face on Monday.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking part was seeing some players who had to voluntarily withdraw (DQ) from their remaining matches simply because they could no longer continue waiting until the very late hours. To train, travel, and prepare for a tournament only to be forced to step away—not because of a loss on the court, but because of poor scheduling—is something we should never see again.
And yet, despite the exhaustion, what stood out most was the spirit of our community. To every player who chose to stay, compete, and support each other through the long hours—we saw the dedication and love you have for this sport. To the umpires and linesmen, who, despite some questionable calls, showed up and stayed until the very end, thank you. And to the parents and families who remained late into the night to cheer on their kids—you are the heart of why this sport continues to grow.
This experience, while difficult, should serve as a lesson for all of us moving forward. Tournaments must prioritize proper scheduling and finishing games on time—not only out of fairness to the players, but also out of respect for everyone’s time, health, and commitments outside the court. Pickleball is meant to bring joy, camaraderie, and healthy competition—not unnecessary strain.
At the same time, we recognize the efforts made by the organizers and extend our gratitude to Mayor Nikko Ramirez and the Municipality of Pamplona for hosting us and welcoming the pickleball community with open arms. The foundation has been laid, and with the lessons learned from this first tournament, we are hopeful for smoother, more enjoyable events in the future.
Together, let’s continue to grow pickleball in Negros Oriental and beyond—not just in numbers, but in the quality of experiences we create for every player, family, and fan who chooses to be part of it.
PS: Thank you tito Edwin and Tita Inday sa Lami kaau nga paniudto! 🫶🏼
