Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world right now, and South Africa is keeping up with the rapid increase of regular players over the past three years and the expansion of courts. Balwin Properties has announced that Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24, 2024, would host KwaZulu-Natal’s largest padel tournament, which is sure to thrill the province’s padel enthusiasts.
Three padel venues—the Umhlanga Skiboat Club, Karibu near Salt Rock, and Durban Country Club—will host the competition. For a chance to win a substantial prize pool of R100,000, participants of all skill levels will compete against Willy Lahoz, the best padel coach in the world and multiple world champion.
Sebastian Brokmann, who heads up Balwin Padel commented: “We are thrilled to have Willy on board and to provide KZN with this first-ever opportunity to learn from and rub shoulders with a living legend. Willy has won two world championship titles and in padel circles globally is generally regarded as the greatest padel player to date. We are placing a large emphasis of his time in South Africa to be focused on identifying and developing underprivileged players with talent.”
According to Ryan Kalk, co-managing director of the Balwin Foundation and the person in charge of Balwin Sports, residents of many of Balwin Properties’ residential developments, including Ballito Hills and the soon-to-be Lifestyle Centre, which is set to be built at Izinga Eco-Estate, will have access to padel courts.
Kalk commented: “Padel is a sport that connects people more than any other – making it an ideal addition to our family-orientated lifestyle estates. Highly skilled players can compete with beginners and it’s a great sport to watch. Lahoz’s presence in South Africa was the brainchild of our CEO, Steve Brookes, that forms part of the group’s aim to promote a healthier lifestyle among clients, staff, and all South Africans through Balwin Sport. The upcoming padel tournament with Willy feels like a full circle moment that realises Balwin Sports’ vision and we are excited about the role Balwin Properties is actively playing to help grow this burgeoning sport in South Africa.”