Pickleball players brave the cold for the GPC Spring Swing
Champions were crowned, and memories were made at the GPC spring swing pickleball tournament.
Despite the unexpected chill, the GPC Spring Swing emerged as a sensational event for pickleball enthusiasts on September 21.
The tournament, held at GPC Pickleball Club in Paulshof, showcased fierce competition, team spirit, and a strong sense of community among players, making it a resounding success.
The energy was palpable as players took to the court, with competitors battling for top honors in various categories.
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Allon Rock, the tournament organiser, expressed his delight at the turnout, especially given the long weekend, which saw some players opt for an alternative event in Bloemfontein.
“The atmosphere was amazing, and everyone had a lot of fun. Despite a three-hour rain delay, we managed to finish the singles event on Saturday, and the spirit of the competition was truly inspiring. This being our first tournament, the participation far exceeded our expectations.”
The GPC Spring Swing was made even more memorable with the generous support from a variety of sponsors. Dinky Sports provided all game balls and created participant boxes that were incredibly well-received. “Dinky Sports gave each participant a box full of their products and an energy bar, which was a fantastic touch.”
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Additional support came from Joola, which donated high-quality paddles for the singles winners, and Jawitz Properties, which crafted customized shirts for all participants. “We wouldn’t have had such a fantastic event without our sponsors. Wilson, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and Aquazania were also essential in making the day a success,” added Rock.
Participants were thrilled to receive prizes that included: R200 vouchers from Sportsman’s Warehouse for the fourth-place finishers, and various giveaways from Wilson, including T-shirts and accessories.
This tournament not only celebrated competitive play but also served as a stepping stone for future events. Excitingly, the GPC has plans to welcome former number 2 pickleball player in the world, Alex Simon, from Las Vegas this November.
He is noted to be one of the top coaches in the sport, promising an incredible opportunity for local players to enhance their skills.
As the GPC Spring Swing concluded, one thing was clear: pickleball continues to grow in popularity, drawing passionate players and enthusiastic audiences alike.
The following individuals shone brightly, clinching championship titles:
• Women’s singles champion: Sinead Mahony
• Men’s singles champion: Marko Stavrou
• 45+ singles winner: Ismail Schuster (who stepped in for Stephen Mahony)
• Women’s doubles champions: Debbie Fitzgibbon & Anneke Vorster
• Men’s doubles champions: Philip Lawson & JP Van Antwerpen
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