Penang: SXI field to undergo major upgrades, include pickleball court

AFTER 169 years, the field opposite one of the nation's oldest schools - St Xavier's Institution (SXI) will undergo a major upgrade with plans to erect a synthetic track and field ground with a pickleball court.

The tennis court would have to make way as there is a poor response for the sport despite efforts to woo players and coaches to use the courts for major grooming programmes, said the school board of trustees chairman Victor Tan Seang Hin.

SXI will likely be the first school in the country with a pickleball court, a sport which is growing in popularity now.

"We are also installing an underground drainage system and building a new football field in the centre of the synthetic track," said Tan.

Tan and the school's Brother-Director Jason Blakie have been busy upgrading the school to meet the new millennium age with emphasis on enhancing the learning capacity and ability of the school, with sports also playing a pivotal role in spurring SXI students to be fit in body, mind and spirit.

The upgrades come after the school designed a heritage gallery to mark its 170th anniversary a few years ago, with the help of the old boys.

Tan said that the field belongs to SXI; it was acquired by the La Salle Brothers movement in 1857 from the Convent Light Street school.

"We just share the space with the convent school, but SXI owns it," said Tan.

Asked about considering an indoor facility in view of uncertain weather, Tan said the school, for now, does not have the necessary funds.

"We can always do with more donations. Remember it is for the students so they can excel in both their studies and sports," said Tan.

Tan recently also briefed Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow about the school's effort to upgrade their facilities.

"We are hoping that the field opposite can be a hive of activities for students and our surrounding community here."

He also touched on enhancing the arts, cultural and performing arts skills of the students, saying that the SXI looks to bring back stage performances for its students while also boosting its marching band.

SXI is also a Grade II heritage building, located in the heart of the UNESCO George Town World Heritage Site.

The school's principal, Janestanstein Stephen, a former athlete herself, said that the new facilities would boost the sporting standards in the school. - June 17, 2026.