The president of FEMEPA, Jorge Mañe: “The GNP Mexico P1 and padel symbols of Acapulco’s rebirth”

Just over three months to restart and return great even in sports, with one of the most important events of the Premier Padel circuit governed by the FIP. The celebration in Acapulco after the difficult days of Hurricane Otis today has the image of the GNP Mexico P1 that sees all the great talents of the “pala” engaged. A much-awaited tournament after the mandatory stop at the Major last November and celebrated with enthusiasm by Jorge Mañe, president of FEMEPA, the Mexican padel federation.

“We are very happy that padel, the fastest-growing sport in the world, has found a home in this tournament, in its cradle. Padel – remembers the number one of Mexican padel – has returned to where it was born: more than 50 years ago, the first court was built here by Enrique Corcuera. We are very grateful to Premier Padel, the International Padel Federation, and all those who have made all this possible. Today we are happy: these are exciting days because after what happened just over 100 days ago, making possible what we are experiencing these days is a beautiful dream come true”.

DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING The ongoing celebration in the Acapulco tournament, Mañe continues, is actually a point of arrival and at the same time a starting point for the growth of padel throughout the country. “In Mexico, with the help of the FIP, we have been working hard for four years. During this period, we have experienced three years of pandemic, but every year we have grown in double digits”. Also at the international level, the presence is constant: “Every year, six Pan-American tournaments are held, bringing together more than 500 players from 12 countries, and Mexico always confirms its participation. This is a consequence of the joint work of those who, like us, are committed to the growth of padel and its definitive affirmation, with all possible support to the president of the FIP Luigi Carraro, who is working hard for padel to become an Olympic sport. A dream that, we are sure, will come true.” A very important part of this growth is training: “We have 19 High Performance schools throughout the national territory and a national coaches’ school”, explains Mañe. “Today we are training over 350 coaches so that they can make padel a lifestyle and a definitive economic opportunity, contributing to the growth of the new generations. One more reason, this last one, to consider this tournament special”.

SUPPORT AND COURAGE Jorge Mañe reflects on the days of the worst nightmare and the thousand stories of returning to life, between courage, commitment, and rolled-up shirt sleeves: “Until 100-115 days ago, everything you see was destroyed, including the hotel where the players are staying today – he continues – We are very grateful to our companion, Mundo Imperial, with whom, a week after the hurricane, we spoke on the phone because it was impossible to come here, and with whom we decided to hold the tournament in Acapulco. I am very grateful to Premier Padel, Qatar Sports Investments, and certainly to the International Padel Federation: they never hesitated in supporting us, they never doubted that we would be able to play the tournament here”. With pride, Jorge Mañe emphasizes this story of resilience against a terrible enemy, Hurricane Otis: “Today we are telling the whole world that padel is alive. It’s alive here in Mexico, it’s alive where it was born, in Acapulco, and growth has not stopped even in the face of a terrible event. There is no better way to celebrate all this than with the best circuit of this sport, Premier Padel”.

THE FUTURE Mañe’s thoughts now turn to the future: “In Acapulco there is still much to do and much to rebuild, but an event like this, which attracts people from all over the country, from the United States, from Central and South America, and from Europe, will be an incentive to finish getting up and come back stronger. We are sure that in Acapulco there will be a before and after of this P1 and we are sure that in November, when the GNP Mexico Major Premier Padel will still be held here – one of the four largest and most important tournaments, unique in America – it will be a great success. Another big celebration is being prepared: Acapulco will have fully recovered and padel will be at the center of this celebration together with the community and families because as you can see, we are full of children with their parents and grandparents. And that’s padel: a sport for the whole family, in a healthy environment”.

THE CUPRA FIP TOUR Mañe then focuses on the future and the appointment schedule in Mexico, also starring in the CUPRA FIP Tour, the other world-level circuit of the International Padel Federation. “The CUPRA FIP Tour for us remains the most important event. It’s the breeding ground of professional padel, Mexico believes in it and strongly supports it. This year we will celebrate with six tournaments of the CUPRA FIP Tour: one Rise, two Stars, two Golds, and we will also have a top tournament of the circuit, the FIP Platinum of Mexico City, an event that will be unforgettable and that will contribute to the growth of padel. The CUPRA FIP Tour is fundamental for the growth of padel because it gives young people the opportunity to measure themselves at a high level and grow in the professional circuit, and our support on this aspect is total. Every year we will increase the number of events – he concludes – because I believe that the task of an institution is to create growth opportunities, looking at the new generations of athletes. The goal of all of us who work for padel together with the International Federation is to provide such opportunities and grow together with this sport”.