USAPA President Jack Thomas and USAPA Executive Director Justin Maloof with Chinese Delegation
Junior Clinic in China
Signing Ceremony of Strategic Cooperation Between USAPA and Shenzhen and Hong Kong Pickleball Clubs
USAPA GOODWILL TRIP TO CHINA PROVES PICKLEBALL IS GOING GLOBAL BY JUSTIN MALOOF
Last month , USAPA President Jack Thomas , USAPA member and 5.0 player Randy Coleman , and I were all invited as guests to attend and present the sport of pickleball at the 14th Annual International Cultural Industry Expo and Shenzhen University in Shenzhen , China . While there , we had the incredible opportunity of hosting a number of pickleball demonstrations , meeting with members of the newly formed Shenzhen and Hong Kong Pickleball Clubs and experiencing some of the wonderful Chinese culture .
On our first day , we were able to experience the expo ’ s opening ceremonies and , the following day , we were excited to see that pickleball made the front page of the Shenzhen newspaper with a full-color photo . A few days later , we delivered our expo presentation on the sport of pickleball and held a formal signing ceremony whereby the USAPA and the Shenzhen ( China ) Club agreed to cooperate on a number of goodwill initiatives designed to foster growth and future play opportunities between the nations . The following day , we were informed that more than 200,000 people watched the live stream of the presentation and signing ceremony .
During our visit , it was truly amazing to witness firsthand the potential for a pickleball explosion in China and all of Asia . Badminton , ping pong and tennis have been established there for decades . Given the similar skill set of pickleball , it was fascinating to watch people who had never heard of the sport experience extended rally sessions within a minute or two of stepping on the court . It was also a great opportunity for us to spend time
with the local club organizers and share some of our knowledge and experience for growing the sport nationally through a membership program , strong ambassador network and “ places to play ” database . Over the coming months , we will be helping the Shenzhen Club with the application process to become the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in China as well as becoming the newest IFP member country .
Before leaving , we extended a formal invitation for our hosts to attend this year ’ s USAPA National Championships in Indian Wells , CA . As we explained to them , we can provide a lot of “ how-to ” information , but there ’ s nothing like attending and witnessing something firsthand . We are hopeful the Chinese government will approve the trip and allow our hosts to be part of this tremendous opportunity .
On behalf of the USAPA , we would like to extend special thanks to the Shenzhen Pickleball Club and the Hong Kong Pickleball Club for being such wonderful hosts and making our visit truly one to remember . In addition , we would like to thank USAPA member and 5.0 player Daniel Moore . Daniel is currently living in Nagano , Japan , and has been actively spreading the sport of pickleball throughout Japan , China and other Asian countries . From what we have seen , his efforts are starting to gain traction and our trip would not have been possible without him .
JUSTIN MALOOF USAPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JULY / AUGUST 2018 | MAGAZINE 9