Friday night’s Padel4Good event may not have been an “Elite” tournament, but the final left fans and supporters on the edge of their seats as it went down to the wire in Paarden Eiland, in Cape Town.
Kelly de Wit and Joshua Bransgrove were crowned victors of the second Padel4Good mixed tournament since the brand’s inception after beating David Crommelin and Taryn Nel 5-4 in a
tie-breaker on the centre court of the Virgin Active Padel Arena.
Competing in a fairly new format for Padel4Good, 32 players (16 teams) entered a competition that catered for teams with a level 4-5 (combined) on the PlayTomic App.
Es uno de los puntos del año. Un minuto de pádel estratosférico que refleja lo disputado del partido. Un break que decantó un partido para los Bombarderos. Una obra de artepic.twitter.com/fQeyo9TAxw
— Pádel Break (@Padel_Break) September 12, 2024
Showcase for all
The show gave many new players and those still honing their Padel skills a chance to level up and gain more experience under the bright lights of the elite centre that has hosted many top Padel players across the Western Cape.
In the end, De Wit and Bransgrove shone the brightest, showcasing great teamwork, composure, patience, athleticism, a high work-rate, and excellent shot selection to take home the spoils in a thrilling cup final.
“I think being able to keep calm, enjoy ourselves, and have a good time was key to taking this one today, rather than feeling the actual pressure of the match,” said De Wit, who finally got her first title after competing in a few Padel4Good ladies tournaments.
“It’s amazing to be part of Padel4Good, being able to play the sport that we love and at the same time also give back to the people who need things,” said De Wit of the NGO.
While Padel4Good continues to introduce more people to one of the fastest-growing sports, at the heart of the brand is a drive to improve the lives of women and children at risk, as proceeds and sponsorships from every event go toward homes and charities across the country.
This week’s event saw the sporting brand donate money to the Santa Shoebox Project.
The Santa Shoebox organisation has been operating for 18 years, collecting and distributing personalised gift boxes to underprivileged children in South Africa and Namibia, and has reached over 226, 756 kids thus far.
“Padel4Good thank you so much for your super generous donation. What you’ve made possible is underprivileged children, living in far-flung rural areas receiving a personalised abundant Santa Shoebox of their very own. Huge gratitude,” said Santa Shoebox CEO Deb Zelezniak.
The next Padel4Good tournament takes place on October 4. This competition will be a Men’s Tournament that will cater to players with a rating of between 2-3.
A total of 32 players (16 teams) will be entered and teams are drawn on the night. Stay tuned to Padel4Good’s Instagram account should you want to join.
Plate winners: Leezel Strydom and Riaan Dohne beat Reiner Leach and Michael Leach 4-2.
IOL Sport