After a demanding fire season, Lot‑et‑Garonne’s firefighters are swapping hoses for rackets at a regional padel showdown.
Key points
- The UDSP 47 aims to institutionalise padel among firefighters with a dedicated section.
- 32 firefighter teams from 12 departments will compete on 14 November at Padel Plus.
- Funds raised through a tombola will support UDSP projects slated for 2027.
- The €12,000‑budget event is still looking for corporate partners.
On 14 November, the Union départementale des sapeurs-pompiers (UDSP) 47 of Lot‑et‑Garonne will stage the first zonal padel championship for the South‑West fire‑fighter zone at the Padel Plus complex, bringing together twelve departments from the Poitou‑Charentes and Aquitaine‑Limousin regions.
The competition will feature 32 teams – 64 firefighters – with an expected attendance of 100 to 150 people, including supporters and event staff, according to Rémi Mazat, co‑responsible for the UDSP 47 padel section.
Event details and participants
Organisers describe the tournament as a "test" to formalise padel as an official sport within the fire‑fighter community, paving the way for an independent padel section that could offer low‑cost training and matches to interested personnel.
A large tombola will run alongside the matches, with proceeds earmarked for projects planned for 2027, while the event’s budget of roughly €12,000 is still seeking additional sponsors.
Creating a dedicated padel section for firefighters
The initiative follows a successful departmental championship held in April by the Passage firefighters’ association, which demonstrated strong interest and motivated the expansion to a broader zonal format.
Reader questions
When and where is the padel tournament taking place?
The championship is scheduled for 14 November at the Padel Plus complex in Lot‑et‑Garonne.
Who can attend the event?
While only firefighters will compete, the tournament is open to the public, with an expected 100‑150 spectators, supporters and participants.
Source: ladepeche.fr