Padel unites celebs at charity fundraiser
The Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic has been acclaimed as a ‘huge success’ following two days of padel and networking at The Hurlingham Club in west London.
The tournament raised funds for Laureus Sport for Good, a global charity supporting programmes and organisations around the world that use sport to help young people overcome violence, discrimination and inequality.
Co-founded by investment, advisory and marketing group TTB Sport alongside Charlie Grave, the event combined a team tournament, celebrity pro-am and hospitality event.
Former Test cricketer Andrew Strauss, Executive Chair of TTB-Sport, said: “It was incredible for us to see the vision of the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic come to life. It is our inaugural year but the feedback suggests we have already established the event as a key part of the social season in London. Judging by the smiles, great padel and wonderful atmosphere generated over the two days I think we can declare it a huge success.
“Padel is such a great connector of people. There were so many padel enthusiasts with us over the two days. They were competitive on court but on a personal level, it was hugely disappointing to lose to Michael Vaughan.”
Celebrities from a variety of backgrounds took part, including Judy Murray, Greg Rusedski, Max Evans, Sir Andrew Strauss, Gaz Beadle, Chloe Meadows, Jason Robinson, Annabelle Bond, Thom Evans, Bryan Habana, James Anderson, Sam Billings and Michael Vaughan. They played alongside padel pros including John Leach, Aimee Gibson, Tia Norton, Sam Macneill, Rafa Vega and Alfonso Patacho.
Judy Murray said: “It was brilliant to play in an event, which was the first of its kind in the UK, and also to know that the funds are going to go to a sporting charity that does so much good.”
The Hurlingham Club were the perfect host with their Chief Executive Michael O’Dwyer presenting the trophies on day two. He said: “It’s been such a privilege partnering with Laureus Sport for Good. It’s been a festival of sport, a festival of friendship and a festival of belonging.”
The Hurlingham Club won the team tournament, beating the Laureus Sports for Good squad in the final. Hurlingham was captained by their chair of padel, Saverio Campione, who played alongside Nick Warner, Abi Browne, Pete Stonor, George Brooksbank and Nacho Diaz. They were joined by UK padel star Abi Tordoff and former rugby player Max Evans. 🎾
