Judging by the number of new faces at this weekend’s Padel4Good event, the sport is certainly in a healthy space as more people are trying their hand at one of the fastest-growing sports in the world right now.
On Saturday, 32 ladies from across the Western Cape entered the Virgin Active Padel Centre courts in Paarden Eiland to pursue champion status at the sixth Padel4Good Women’s event since the brand’s inception.
This month’s event was the perfect opportunity for up-and-comers to test their mettle and improve their skill set as women rated up to 2.5 on the PlayTomic App were allowed to enter a competition that was sold out only moments after being made available to the public.
The round-robin event which consisted of 16 teams also served as the perfect build-up to the sporting charity’s first Elite Women’s event next month as the athletes showcased their technical prowess and athleticism on the day.
Ultimately, Kim Krog and Alison Solomon were crowned winners after beating Beverley Frier and Katherine Seymour 5-2 in the final after Melanie Papadakos and Glenda Farrell walked away as the plate winners.
It was a particularly special day for Krog who bagged her second Padel4Good Championship after winning it not too long ago.
Padel4Good has grown in leaps and bounds and has attracted the who's who in the Padel sports fraternity. Today’s event hosted a special spectator as one of South Africa’s top athletes, Luan Krige showed up in support of the event.
The Racquet and Ball Club Ambassador - who has competed at the highest level in South Africa - was impressed by the platform Padel4Good has created, but more importantly, the work the brand does for women and children.
“I have heard so much about Padel4Good, but this is my first time at an event. I started playing Padel right here at the Virgin Active Padel Centre,” says Krige.
“The Padel4Good brand is doing something special and serves a really good cause when you consider what they do for women and kids across the country,” added Krige, referring to the NPO’s work uplifting and supporting charities and homes that cater to women and children exposed to gender-based violence, femicide, and abuse.
“On the sporting front, it’s fantastic how Padel4Good provides a platform for the players to compete, especially the women, considering the lack of events available for ladies in the country. It’s nice to see the professionalism of the event organizers, all the players are kitted out nicely in the same branded gear, and there’s a good vibe, good music, and good food. I am keen on playing at one of the elite events in the future. I will bring some top players to join as well.”
Next month, the brand will host its first double-header event with two tournaments in two days.
The jam-packed Padel weekend will see Padel4Good run a Men’s event (Level 1 - 2.5) on Friday, August 15, before the brand rolls out its first Ladies Elite show (2.5-5 on the PlayTomic App) the next day.
Krige also confirmed that Cape Town will host an SA tournament on September 13 in Camps Bay which will be a groundbreaking event as this competition will finally offer a rating system for South African players.
“I think in the next five years, the Padel space is going to be ridiculously big, with big tournaments and top players on offer. We will see many international players flock to SA, especially Cape Town, so there is lots to be excited about in this sport,” concluded Krige.
@juliankiewietz