POLOKWANE – 534 Padel and Sports Club, a multisport facility situated in Ivydale, was officially opened last Saturday and saw more than 1 000 people visiting the centre on the day.

With the goal to encourage the community to spend more time outdoors, exercise, socialise and have fun, the establishment of a vibrant new sports facility has been welcomed far and wide.

The club also hosted their inaugural Padel tournament and several exhibition matches to whet the crowd’s appetite.

Spectators were encouraged to test out their skills on court during a fun and social three-hour-slot in the evening, during which loads of prizes were given away.

Padel, a racket sport typically played in doubles in an on an enclosed synthetic turf court surrounded by glass walls and metallic mesh, has gained immense popularity countrywide over the last few years.

The game uses the same scoring system as tennis, but with the added advantage of walls as one would find in a game of squash.

Kuraysha Ismail, who is part of the management team told Polokwane Observer that during the more relaxed, social games, these scores are generally abbreviated to five, three and four.

“This is what inspired our name, namely 534 Home of Padel,” she said.

The courts are designed to create a fun, safe and social experience for all.

Some 136 padel players participated in the tournament across different age groups, amid a jovial atmosphere with good security.

Food stalls catered food and drink to all participants and spectators.

“We invite and welcome the community to come try out the new courts and have fun with us.”