Paulo Mataia’s journey from a young boy in Samoa, supporting his family of eleven from the age of nine, to becoming an international life coach and a passionate advocate of pickleball, is nothing short of inspirational. Leaving home at 18 with just $10 in his pocket, Paulo invested everything in his education, a decision that propelled him to visit 78 different countries and to engage deeply with others.
For Paulo, life is about service. His mantra, “do whatever it takes to find an opportunity to help someone else,” has guided him throughout his life, from the streets of Samoa to the public schools in Egypt, where he regularly works with the Sudanese community to provide vital educational resources. Paulo’s commitment to education and personal growth reflects his belief that while talent is inherent, nurturing it through education is essential for making a true impact.
Pickleball, a sport he discovered and fell in love with over the last decade, has become more than just a game for Paulo; it’s a tool for connection and transformation. Through pickleball, Paulo has reached out to the elderly, helping to alleviate loneliness and foster a sense of community and belonging. His approach to teaching the sport is reflective of his broader coaching philosophy: “I learned you first have to find who the person is as an individual before you can teach them pickleball because when you do this, it improves the way you communicate with them which improves the deliverability. Everyone is different.”
As a certified member of the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), Paulo has not only honed his skills in the sport but also embraced the opportunity to expand its reach. His vision extends to introducing pickleball in Egypt, believing that sports can bridge cultural gaps and create new opportunities for interaction and understanding. Paulo emphasizes that the culture of a sport, much like any culture, is built for the betterment of people and communities. He applauds PPR for its role in fostering this growing sport, highlighting its potential to enhance lives.
Paulo Mataia’s life story is a powerful testament to the impact of perseverance, education, and the willingness to serve others. Whether through his life coaching within his ministry, his educational initiatives abroad, or his advocacy of pickleball, Paulo remains a steadfast giver, continuously finding joy in enriching the lives of others. His journey underscores the profound truth that personal sacrifice and dedication to others’ well-being can indeed transform lives, creating ripples that extend far beyond the immediate community.
