Pickleball Wellness Day brings BukSU community Together

The Culture, Arts, Sports, and Development Unit (CASDevU) hosted a Pickleball Wellness Day for Bukidnon State University (BukSU) faculty and staff at the university gymnasium on June 24, 2026, to promote wellness, camaraderie, and active living among employees.

The event welcomed beginners and intermediate players, allowing members of the BukSU community to experience one of the world’s fastest-growing sports while promoting physical and mental well-being.

The open-play session allowed employees from various offices, campuses, and departments to network and take a break from their daily routines.

For Ms. Chandrani Yves E. Estrada, the Non-Teaching Employees Association (NTEA) President and Supervisor of Libraries, the activity offered benefits that extended beyond the court. “Aside from being a great way to relieve stress, this activity allows me to meet new employees, reconnect with old friends, and build meaningful friendships. It also helps me develop my pickleball skills, especially since I’ve only recently started playing the sport,” Estrada shared.

Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle despite the demands of work.

The event drew novice players, including Davekeemark Daming from the BukSU Impasug-ong Satellite Campus, who has been playing pickleball for only three months. He shared that the sport has allowed him to have fun and connect with fellow BukSU employees. “I have only been playing pickleball for three months. More than anything, it is about having fun and getting the opportunity to get to know other BukSU employees. You do not need to be highly skilled at this sport, the important thing is that you enjoy it,” he remarked.

Similarly to, Brenda G. Caballero, Research Ethics Committee (REC) Chairperson and Nursing faculty member, described the event as a refreshing opportunity to unwind and meet fellow employees she had not yet encountered despite being part of the university community. “I truly enjoyed the activity. It gave us a chance to unwind, and I hope activities like this will continue. It creates a friendly environment where employees can connect. I did not expect that there were still so many people in BukSU whom I had not yet met. I am looking forward to the next pickleball open play,” she said.

As players exchanged rallies, laughter, and words of encouragement throughout the afternoon. The event promoted physical fitness while reinforcing BukSU’s commitment to creating opportunities that support the holistic well-being of its employees. (Lovely May A.Ejem, CAO-Admin staff)