The Pickleball E-Club will hold its inaugural All-Women Pickleball Tournament on May 16, 2026, at Pickletown Bajada, marking a significant milestone for the rapidly growing sport in Davao City.
Tournament Details
With a registration fee of ₱500, organizers anticipate around 90 participants competing in three divisions: novice, low-intermediate, and high-intermediate. Matches are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning with elimination rounds and progressing to the Top 16, utilizing the venue’s full capacity of 10 courts.
Community and Empowerment
The event, organized by E-Club members and sponsors, will award gold, silver, and bronze medals along with prizes such as gift certificates. Beyond competition, the tournament aims to foster a strong sense of community. E-Club pioneer Hazel Tejamo shared during the Davao Sportswriters Association Forum that the initiative was inspired by the mutual support and confidence-building she witnessed among women in the club. “What inspired me to start the tournament is what I saw from the very beginning of building the E-Club—the different kinds of women, both on and off the court, supporting each other, building confidence, and connecting,” Tejamo said. “From there, I believed we deserved a tournament exclusively for women here in Davao City and Mindanao.”
Inclusive Identity
The “E” in E-Club stands for values like “elite” and “empowered,” reflecting the group’s inclusive identity. The club brings together a diverse range of players, from a 19-year-old podium finisher to a 61-year-old member. Fellow pioneer Ana Batu emphasized the goal of creating a space where women can grow and form lasting connections. “From the start, we wanted this to be more than just a game,” Batu said. “We want women to build confidence, support one another, and enjoy the sport together.”
Festival Atmosphere and Beneficiaries
In addition to matches, organizers will set up parlor games, pop-up shops, and food stalls run by club members to create a festival-like atmosphere. Proceeds from the event, including earnings from pop-up stalls, will support beneficiaries, particularly abused women and children in Katitipan.
