Pickleball Fever Hits Seenigama Sports Academy

The Foundation of Goodness is delighted to introduce a brand-new Pickleball Court at the Seenigama Sports Academy, creating exciting opportunities for children and youth to engage in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

The idea of introducing Pickleball to Seenigama was first proposed several years ago by Rohan Jayasekera, who developed a passion for the sport while living in Canada and recognised its potential to be a valuable addition to the Sports Academy, benefiting young people in rural Sri Lanka.

That vision has now become a reality through the generous support of Tom Seabrook and Harin de Silva Wijeyeratne, whose shared enthusiasm for the sport and commitment to creating opportunities for young people helped bring this exciting project to fruition. Their contribution has enabled the establishment of a new facility at Seenigama that will benefit generations of children and youth, while further enhancing the Sports Academy through the introduction of Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport enjoyed around the world.

As part of the Foundation of Goodness’ commitment to bridging the rural–urban divide, we strive to ensure that young people in rural communities have access to the same opportunities, facilities, and experiences available elsewhere. The new court enables participants to discover and enjoy an emerging global sport in a safe and supportive environment while developing valuable life skills along the way.

The facility provides a fun and accessible space where participants can stay active, build confidence, strengthen teamwork and communication skills, and enjoy the many benefits of the sport. Beyond recreation, opportunities such as these help nurture resilience, personal growth, and a sense of belonging among the children and youth who attend our Sports Academy.This exciting addition would not have been possible without the support of those who believed in the potential of sport to create positive change.

As Pickleball continues to grow in popularity, the court will also be open to members of the public and Pickleball enthusiasts looking to enjoy the sport while supporting a meaningful cause. Through court bookings, players can contribute towards the Foundation of Goodness’ efforts to empower rural communities through education, sports, livelihood development, and essential community programmes.

We look forward to seeing the facility come alive with energy and enthusiasm as more children, youth, and Pickleball enthusiasts discover and embrace the game at Seenigama.