Anna Leigh Waters Meets Philippine Pickleball Community at Decathlon

The October 13 showcase connected local fans and young players with Waters and her coach, Leigh Waters.

Anna Leigh Waters met Filipino pickleball fans at Decathlon Philippines on October 13, 2026, joining an Asia Showcase with Franklin Sports.

The event gave attendees an opportunity to meet Waters and her mother and coach, Leigh Waters, have paddles and photo cards signed, and see a teased Franklin paddle ahead of its launch.

For the local community, the gathering brought an international athlete into a setting centered on participation and personal connection.

A Young Player’s Memorable Point

Among the attendees was 11-year-old Gabe Ocampo, a multi-medalist in the Philippine Pickleball League’s 13U category.

Ocampo played an exhibition point with Waters, turning the showcase into a personal milestone for a developing Filipino player.

Other attendees included Vern Ong, Alethea Ambrosio, and Ced Domingo, connecting the event with personalities from entertainment and sport.

Encouraging People to Try the Game

Jessica de Leon-Ramos, Decathlon Philippines’ Country Marketing & Communications Leader, said meeting an accomplished athlete could inspire people who are starting pickleball or working to improve.

Waters also encouraged newcomers to try the sport. In the supplied remarks, she recalled being unconvinced before her first experience, then quickly discovering that she wanted to continue.

Her message emphasized that pickleball has room for different kinds of participants.

The event placed that idea into a practical setting: fans meeting an athlete, a young player sharing the court, and a community finding another reason to take part.

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