Tribune News Network
Padel is a sport that has no age, and wants to celebrate those who have made the history, contributing over the years to the expansion of the discipline.
The International Padel Federation (FIP) has decided to create a European Senior Championship that will be played at the Ciudad Deportiva Camilo Cano in La Nucia sports complex located in the province of Alicante in Comunidad Valenciana.
The Spanish Padel Federation and the local regional federation will organize the first FIP Senior Championship from 12 to 17 June.
In the Senior draw, both for men and women, 16 national teams will face each other in the best of three games, with players Over 40, Over 45 and Over 50; in the Super-Senior draw, also reserved for both men and women, the three age groups are Over 50, Over 55 and Over 60. In addition to these two draws for national teams, there will be Open competitions, again reserved for national pairs, again divided by age categories.
"Organizing the Seniors European Championships makes me particularly proud and happy,” FIP president Luigi Carraro stated.
"It is a particular happiness because I believe that talent has no age in sport in general and in padel in particular. The contests for Seniors organized by the FIP represent a precious ‘treasure chest’ for each continental federation. It is the right moment to transform that talent, as well as the experience gained over the years, and the technical and tactical baggage into a message to be passed on to those who are approaching padel.
The focus is on the new generations who will be able to pick up the precious legacy, following the exploits of those who have preceded them. Moreover, I believe that age in sports should not be - ever - a limitation, but an opportunity. Extraordinary athletes who have written fundamental pages for our sport will take the field, so it will be an unmissable opportunity to admire them in such a high-level competition.
"That is why I thank the president of the Spanish Federation Ramon Morcillo Valle and the president of the Comunidad Valenciana Federation Alfonso Monferrer for enthusiastically agreeing to host these European Championships.”
Ramon Morcillo Valle, president of the Spanish Padel Federation, said, "We want to express our satisfaction at having been chosen as the venue for this first European Senior Championship.
"Our sport, which is constantly growing and expanding, allows us to play and compete from very early to advanced ages, and this is one of the great successes of padel. That’s why this championship meets the need of our seniors to have their own European in the same way they have a World Cup.
"We are confident that participation will be a success and that the level of the players will be up to the level of the big competitions. As for the organisation, we are satisfied with the choice of the Padel Federation of the Comunidad Valenciana, which has showes its ability to organise this type of event, as was the case with the Junior World Championship 2019 and the Junior European last October.
"Spain will compete in this Senior European with its best athletes in this category and we hope to offer a show of the highest level.”
Alfonso Monferrer, president of the Comunidad Valenciana Padel Federation, said, "For the FPCV it is an honour to once again have the trust of the FIP and the FEP to organise the first edition of the Veterans’ European.
"We will be hosting the pioneers of our sport, most of whom have not been able to enjoy the organisational level that padel has reached today. They have shown us the way and deserve our recognition by having them participate in this great sporting kermesse.
"And what better setting than the Ciudad Deportiva Camilo Cano in La Nucia, declared a European city of sport for its excellent facilities and which last year hosted the Spanish junior championships with more than 750 pairs registered. We look forward to seeing you!.”