THE first-ever Higalaay Pickleball Tournament officially concluded with an awarding ceremony on Sunday night, August 23, at the Bulua Homecourt, celebrating the outstanding athletes and teams who joined the event.

 

The awarding ceremony was led by City Hall Chief of Staff and Higalaay Festival Co-Chairperson Shiela Lumbatan, together with Councilors Kenneth John Sacala and Juancho ‘Antuy’ Pascual, who recognized the tournament’s champions and top finishers.

 

The athletes expressed their gratitude to Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy for making the tournament part of the Higalaay Festival 2026. They also highlighted the growing popularity of pickleball, which continues to gain momentum not only in Cagayan de Oro but also across the country.

 

The tournament was a local government-led activity for the Higalaay Festival, organized through the City Tourism Office and City Sports Office in partnership with pickleball organizations in the city.

 

Players from outside Cagayan de Oro were also welcomed to participate in the three-day tournament, giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills and talents in the fast-growing sport. (MDS/CIO/Photos by: Jhoanne Abejo/CIO)