Pickleball Ambassador Nguyen proposes new recreational programs for San Gabriel youth and seniors

A passionate push for pickleball and community engagement took center stage at the San Gabriel City Council Special Meeting on May 8, 2025. Michwan Nguyen, a self-proclaimed pickleball ambassador and tennis coach, presented her vision for enhancing community services through sports, particularly focusing on pickleball's benefits for both youth and seniors.

Nguyen, who has lived in San Gabriel since 1999, emphasized her commitment to volunteerism, stating, "I would love to see more programs for children and seniors because pickleball is a very healthy sport." She highlighted research indicating that participation in pickleball can improve mental health and physical mobility, particularly among seniors. Nguyen proposed hosting more tournaments and free clinics to foster community involvement and promote health through sports.

Vice Mayor Chan and other council members engaged Nguyen in discussions about her ideas for community events. Nguyen expressed her desire to create a San Gabriel Pickleball Club, which would invite players from neighboring cities to participate in friendly competitions. "I think we'll be able to bring more people into San Gabriel when we're hosting some kind of event," she noted.

In addition to sports, Nguyen also suggested expanding community offerings to include arts and crafts, aiming to engage children in diverse activities. "If we could get kids out more into arts, crafts, music, that would be great," she said.

The council members praised Nguyen's enthusiasm and commitment to serving the community, recognizing the potential for pickleball to enhance San Gabriel's recreational landscape. As the city looks to the future, Nguyen's vision could pave the way for a more active and connected community, leveraging sports as a tool for health and social engagement.