CAPITALIZING on the growing popularity of pickleball in the country, Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation (KAVC) has partnered with US-based Johns Design and Consulting (JDC) and Robinsons Land to build world-class courts in the Philippines.
The partnership was formalized during a contract signing ceremony at Atleta 63, Inc. in Bridgetowne, Pasig City on Tuesday.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is the Helios Pickleball Center, a massive facility slated to open at Bridgetowne in 2028.
Flagship pickleball venue
Envisioned to be the country’s flagship pickleball venue, Helios will feature 25 tournament-grade courts, a center court with stands that can accommodate 2,000 spectators, and comprehensive athlete and lifestyle amenities designed to host major international leagues like the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP).
For former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Dickie Bachmann, who now serves as the Head of Operations for KAVC, the project is about sustaining the sport's phenomenal rise and giving the country a foothold on the global stage.
“We have seen the sudden rise of the sport in the country and we are aware of new courts appearing everywhere. So, we said, if we can sustain this popularity for a new sport like pickleball, maybe we can also give the Philippines an instant foothold in the sport worldwide,” Bachmann said.
“The one we are building here in Pasig is just the flagship program; we would also set up the same world-class facilities in other areas of the Philippines. Helios is not just a venue; it’s an ecosystem. This collaboration guarantees that every detail — from daily community play to hosting international televised tournaments — runs with world-class operational efficiency,” he added.
JDC, a consulting firm co-founded by world-renowned pickleball icons Ben and Collin Johns, brings unmatched technical expertise to the table. The firm will handle end-to-end technical consulting, facility planning, architectural design, and operational strategies.
“Pickleball is experiencing explosive growth globally, and the Philippines is poised to become a major hub for the sport in Asia,” said Collin Johns, JDC co-founder and a former world No. 1 and 35-time PPA doubles champion.
“Through JDC, our goal is to ensure facilities are built with precise technical standards —from court surfaces and lighting to player flow — creating exceptional playing environments for grassroots enthusiasts and world-class pros alike.”
KAVC president Kim Lapus said the Bridgetowne project is just the start in an ambitious bid to elevate the local sports infrastructure.
"Our mission at Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corp. is to build world-class environments that empower athletes and elevate sports infrastructure nationwide," said Lapus. "By partnering with Johns Design and Consulting, we are bringing global expertise directly to the Philippines, ensuring that our local facilities meet the highest international benchmarks."
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