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DODGEBALL HITS MALAYSIA HARD
Rising in the ranks of Malaysia’s most popular sports is an unexpected
contestant, one that requires a surge of agility, dexterity and skill. Its name is
dodgeball, and it’s fast, furious as well as fun. Renowned as a great past time
and now serious endeavour for the younger generations of the nation,
dodgeball is a game in which players on two teams try to throw balls at each
other while avoiding being hit by opponents’ balls themselves. As it turns out,
this simple yet addictive gameplay is all that was needed to create a sensational
new activity for numerous youth groups and fitness enthusiasts around the
country.
Dodgeball rose in popularity in the United States long before it reached the
shores of Asia, but the game is typically played there among children 6-12 in
elementary school. However, internationally, the sport has also emerged as a
popular middle school, high school and college sport. It is also popular in
informal settings and is often played on a playground, in a gym, or in organised
recreational leagues.
There are many variations of the game, but generally the main objective of each
round is to eliminate all members of the opposing team by hitting them with
thrown balls, catching a ball thrown by a member of the opposing team, or
forcing them to move outside the court boundaries when a ball is thrown at
them.
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Malaysia has become a thriving hotspot for Dodgeball enthusiasts throughout
the region, with numerous competitions and activities being constantly
organised. The main group responsible for the growth of the sport is the
Malaysia Association of Dodgeball (MAD), which embarked on its MAD journey
in 2008 and is affiliated with National Sports Council & Ministry of Youths and
Sports.
In 2012, MAD held the first WDBF World Invitational in Kuala Lumpur. The
event was attended by teams from Hong Kong, Canada, United States of
America, Singapore, New Zealand, and of course Malaysia. The event was a
great success and the team from Hong Kong went home with top honours.
As of 2015, MAD has been busy organising even more exciting Dodgeball
events, including the Extreme Park Open 2015 which took place this March,
and the Zone 1 (Central) National Dodgeball Championship 2015, a continuing
series of competitive matches between talented teams.
MORE THAN JUST A SPORT
Dodgeball incorporates a series of character developing elements, and MAD’s
goal is to bring about these changes for the better in Dodgeball participants
from all walks of life.
Infused in the sport of Dodgeball is a unique system known as the Honour
System. This system instils character building values of honesty, integrity and
sportsmanship, thereby, forming holistic individuals who will pass these values
on to others. Dodgeball isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. One filled with fun in
physical fitness and positive mental attitude. A very much sought after remedy
in today's social environment. Ultimately, MAD’s mission is to make Dodgeball
the #1 community sport.
Colleges and other institutes have begun to establish solid teams that compete
throughout the scene. The Taylors University Storm Dodgeball Club are one of
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the more prominent Dodgeball groups out there, and they’re paving a way into
the big leagues of the region’s Dodgeball scene with achievements and
participation in various tournaments including the 2013 YMCA (WPKL)
Dodgeball Open (series 1), University of Nottingham Dodgeball Open, HELP
University Dodgeball Open and the National Dodgeball League.
If you’re an avid Dodgeball enthusiast or you’re interested in the sport, Malaysia
is one of the greatest destinations for constant activities and a warm, friendly
community dedicated to the great sport of Dodgeball.
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For more information or enquiries, please contact Visit Malaysia Year
Secretariat, at 03-8891 7000 or log on to www.myfest2015.com.my.
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