12 September 2023
Padel has been growing rapidly in popularity throughout the world, and it has taken South Africa by storm, too. Now, Michaelhouse has opened three padel courts.
The game, which is of Mexican origin, is, roughly described, a mix of tennis and squash, and usually played as doubles on a court which is slightly smaller than a tennis court. The courts also have walls, which allow players to use them in a similar manner to squash. Bats, rather than racquets, are used.
Funding for the padel courts was received from benefactors of the school.
Saint Anne’s Diocesan School, Saint John’s DSG, Saint Charles College and Kearsney College joined Michaelhouse at the opening of the padel facility for its official opening on Wednesday, 6 September, although they were beaten to it by Clifton Prep School (Nottingham Road), who visited a day earlier and got to test out the new game.
To show how padel should be played, Old Boys Piet Pelser (2010) and Tyrone Thomas (2012) took on current Michaelhouse students, Murray Baker and John Yeadon, just edging them out – 6-4, 5-5 – in an entertaining clash.
Michaelhouse Rector, Anthony Clark, said at the opening: “Our three courts now stand proudly with their blue surfaces in the midst of a complex of tennis and squash courts and have been immensely popular already, with the boys really enjoying the opportunity to play this new sport, which has become one of the fastest growing sports throughout the world.
“We are immensely grateful to our benefactors for their generosity and for their support. And we can assure them that these courts will be enjoyed and used for many years to come.
“Thank you!”
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