More than 200 students participated in a series of school pickleball events over the past two weeks, culminating in the Caribbean Championships Junior Pickleball Showcase held on Saturday at WER Joell Tennis Stadium.

The showcase, which was initially meant to take place as part of the Caribbean Pickleball Championships in March, brought together many of Bermuda’s top young pickleball players.

Participants earned qualification opportunities through the Bermuda School Sports Federation, Primary, Middle School and Senior School Pickleball Championships, creating a clear progression from school participation to advanced competition and future development opportunities.

Department of Sport and Recreation officials facilitated the BSSF events at the tennis stadium with support from PAB, local coaches, teachers and volunteers.

During these events, hundreds of young athletes were introduced to pickleball while creating meaningful opportunities for participation, competition and development.

“The success of this programme demonstrates what can happen when schools, sport organisations, coaches, volunteers and government work together,” said George Thomas, the PAB president.

“The showcase provided a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to compete, challenge themselves, and continue their development within the sport.”

Gavin Manders, the PAB national director, highlighted that the showcase provided the association with the platform to select a national junior team.

“The vision was to create a pathway that starts in our schools, gives young athletes opportunities to learn and compete and then provides continued development opportunities for those who wish to pursue the sport further,” Manders said.

“This year represented an important first step in bringing that vision to life and identifying athletes who may one day represent Bermuda as members of future junior national teams.

“We are now beginning the process of building a junior national squad with the long-term goal of preparing athletes to represent Bermuda at the 2027 Caribbean Championships in Jamaica and beyond.”

Among the standout performers on Saturday were Lee Terceira, who captured four medals including three gold medals, and Trystan Thompson, who earned two gold medals and a silver medal while competing across multiple age divisions.

Kai Manders also delivered an outstanding performance, with the 8-year-old securing four gold medals and a bronze medal while competing across multiple age divisions.

A medal ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at 6.30pm at the tennis stadium, where athletes will be formally recognised for their achievements and participation at the showcase.