The Inclusive Padel Tour (IPT) has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity in sports, and its recent event in Dubai was no exception. Founded by Alessandro Ossola, who turned his life around after losing a leg in a motorcycle accident, IPT exemplifies resilience and sports’ power to unite people. This article reflects on the inspiring experiences during the Dubai leg of the tour held on November 8-9, 2024.

Event Overview

The Dubai leg of IPT featured two action-packed days filled with sportsmanship, community, and celebration. With participation from eight cities, including Milan, Barcelona, and Rome, the tour continues to expand its reach and message of inclusion.

Day 1: A Day of Fun and Connection

The first day was dedicated to creating lasting memories. Sponsored by Dubai Holdings, participants enjoyed a thrilling tour of Real Madrid World, the world’s first football theme park located in Dubai Parks and Resorts.

The day included a quick photo op at the iconic Burj Al Arab, followed by a delightful Dinner Gala at Cove Beach in JBR. The gala aimed to foster connections among players, sharing inspiring stories and enjoying a night of camaraderie before the tournament.

Day 2: The Tournament Begins

On the second day, the excitement peaked with a Padel Clinic hosted by Heroes of Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Kids of Determination through sports. The official tournament kicked off at 11 AM, featuring 16 teams competing for glory. Each team consisted of one player of determination and one able-bodied player, showcasing the spirit of collaboration.

The tournament rules remained standard, with a unique provision allowing players with mobility limitations to bounce the ball twice before hitting it if needed. This adaptation ensured that everyone had an equal opportunity to participate fully in the game.

Tournament Highlights

The competition was fierce, with notable teams battling it out on the courts. In the end, the champions were Fabio Marashchio and Diego Almeida, who displayed remarkable skill and teamwork. Lorenze Liverani and Phil El Khoury secured the runner-up position, contributing to an unforgettable tournament atmosphere.

Special Recognition and Token of Appreciation

To honor the contributions of key individuals supporting IPT, customized ISD Padel rackets were presented as tokens of appreciation. Recipients included:

• Alessandro Ossola – Founder of IPT and President of Bionic People
• Ahmed Mehaya – UAE’s Ambassador to IPT and part of POD
• Kristen Paskins – A dedicated supporter and recent addition to the IPT family
• Robert Searle – Chief Player of ISD Padel, a steadfast supporter from the beginning

Sponsors: Making It All Possible

The success of the Dubai leg was made possible through the generous support of various sponsors:

Major Sponsors

• Dubai Holdings
• Real Madrid World
• GolosItalia – Provided breakfast and lunch for the players
• PUMA – Supplied prizes
• Oakley – Contributed sunglasses as prizes

Other Sponsors and Partners

• Sunny Rental Cars
• Smashi Sports
• Dubai Sports City
• Dubai Sports Council
• Powerade
• Decathlon
• Heroes of Hope

Their contributions were instrumental in creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for all participants.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for Inclusion

The Inclusive Padel Tour in Dubai showcased thrilling sportsmanship and highlighted the importance of inclusion in athletics. IPT continues to break barriers and inspire countless others by bringing together individuals of all abilities.

As the tour progresses through its remaining legs in cities like Milan and Barcelona, the message remains clear: inclusion is not just a goal; it’s a way of life. The journey of Alessandro Ossola and the stories shared during the event reminds us that through sports, we can all come together to make a difference.