From meeting their sports idol to sharing the court with a global champion, Filipino pickleball enthusiasts experienced an unforgettable moment as Anna Leigh Waters brought her passion for the game to Manila.

For aspiring athletes, meeting a world champion can be more than a memorable experience—it can be the inspiration that sparks a lifelong passion for sports.

That was the excitement at Decathlon Philippines on October 13, when pickleball World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters and her mother and coach, Leigh Waters, met Filipino fans during an exclusive Asia Showcase featuring leading American sports brand Franklin Sports.

The event brought together pickleball enthusiasts, aspiring players, and sports personalities for a closer look at the fast-growing sport. Fans had the opportunity to meet Waters, have their paddles and exclusive photo cards autographed, and catch a glimpse of Franklin Sports’ upcoming mystery paddle.

But beyond the autographs and photo opportunities, the showcase highlighted what makes sports meaningful: the opportunity to connect with inspiring athletes, discover new interests, and encourage the next generation to get moving.
A Young Filipino Player Gets a Moment to Remember

One of the event’s most memorable moments belonged to 11-year-old Gabe Ocampo, a rising Filipino pickleball talent and Philippine Pickleball League 13U multi-medalist.

For the young athlete, the opportunity to play an exhibition point with Waters turned an aspiration into a special on-court experience. Sharing the court with a player at the top of the sport offered a glimpse of what dedication and passion can lead to—and a moment that could help fuel his journey as a young competitor.

The showcase also drew personalities from sports and entertainment, including celebrity Vern Ong, beauty queen Alethea Ambrosio, and professional volleyball player Ced Domingo, reflecting pickleball’s growing appeal across different communities.
Making Sports More Welcoming to Everyone
For Decathlon Philippines, bringing an internationally recognized athlete closer to local players was also an opportunity to show how sports can inspire people at every stage of their journey.

Jessica de Leon-Ramos, Country Marketing & Communications Leader of Decathlon Philippines, highlighted the significance of having Waters and her coach meet the local community, particularly women who are discovering or developing their interest in the sport.

“For Anna Leigh and Coach Leigh to be here today with the community, and from what I can see mostly women, serves as a huge inspiration for players to meet an athlete at the top of their game whether they’re just starting their journey in the sport or are looking to improve,” de Leon-Ramos said.

She added that the experience reflects Decathlon’s purpose of showing that movement can begin anywhere, at any time—and that seeing a favorite athlete in person can encourage people to take their first step into sports.
From Skeptic to World Champion
Waters knows firsthand that discovering a sport can happen unexpectedly.

Fresh off securing her 200th PPA Tour title, the undefeated 19-year-old champion encouraged those who are curious about pickleball to give it a chance, even if they are not immediately convinced it is the right sport for them.

“If you are growing up and wondering if you should try pickleball or not, I would say give it a shot because I was one of the haters before I started playing,” Waters shared.

“I just played one time, and the first time I hit the ball, I knew that this was something I would love to continue doing… There’s room for anybody to play pickleball because pickleball is so inclusive.”

Her message resonated with the spirit of the showcase: people do not need to be champions to enjoy sports. Sometimes, all it takes is picking up a paddle, stepping onto the court, and giving something new a try.
Inspiring More Filipinos to Get Moving
The Asia Showcase reinforces Decathlon Philippines’ commitment to making sports more accessible and encouraging more Filipinos to discover activities that fit their interests and abilities.

By bringing world-class athletes such as Anna Leigh Waters closer to local communities and introducing players to high-performance sports equipment, Decathlon hopes to help nurture interest in emerging sports while celebrating the confidence, connection, and enjoyment that come with being active.

For young athletes like Gabe Ocampo and first-time players inspired by Waters’ story, the event served as a reminder that every sporting journey starts somewhere—and that one opportunity can be enough to spark the next big dream.