Por Redaccion 
To promote this new sport, there will be several free open days in the upcoming weeks and throughout the month of July at the sports center: on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 19:00 to 21:00.
The Sports Department of Vélez-Málaga City Council has been actively promoting new sports practices and disciplines, some of which have gained significant participation in a short period of time. Recently, the city hosted the Spanish Urban Dance Championship, a show that attracted a large number of fans and spectators to the Paco Aguilar sports center.
In line with this, the municipality hosted an open exhibition event on Thursday, June 26th, for a new and increasingly popular sport in Spain known as pickleball. This sport, an alternative to other racket sports like tennis or paddle, has gained momentum among the population. Those interested in participating in this sport, whether individually or in pairs, can do so for free through the Axarquía Pickleball project, an initiative working to introduce this new sport to the community in Vélez-Málaga.
«Our commitment to sports is unwavering, in all its forms, due to the health benefits and values it offers to people of all ages in the municipality,» stated the Sports Councillor, Manuel Gutiérrez, during the Thursday event. He hopes that everyone will be encouraged to engage in this interesting and unique proposal that has already captivated many individuals in the municipality and Axarquía.
Regarding new sports initiatives, the municipal councillor expressed, «We are fully committed to supporting individuals who want to propose new ideas and projects. We are a municipality with a strong sports culture and aim to continue promoting healthy sports practices, including new disciplines that encourage physical activity.»
On Thursday, June 26th, from 9:00 to 11:00, an exhibition pickleball match was held at the Fernando Ruiz Hierro sports center, organized by the Axarquía Pickleball association and the Sports Department. All necessary equipment was provided, offering participants a novel experience aimed at promoting sports and introducing a new path to collective physical activity. Residents or visitors interested in trying pickleball can sign up by calling 665 94 94 96 to enjoy the open days every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 19:00 to 21:00.
Intensity, Teamwork, and Inclusion
Pickleball, the new racket sport, is gaining popularity and attracting a growing number of participants. The exhibition event took place on the courts provided by the Sports Department and featured professional players from Axarquía such as Antonio Casquero, Álex Serrano, Celia Millón, and Alicia García.
Casquero, the current president of Axarquía Pickleball, praised the Sports Department for their support and facilitation of their sport. He also highlighted that, as part of their promotional efforts, «several free open days will be held in the coming weeks and throughout July at the sports center.» These sessions will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 19:00 to 21:00.
Pickleball originated in the United States (with around 50 million enthusiasts worldwide) and is played on a court with the same dimensions as badminton (13.41 x 6.10 meters), with the addition of a line that marks the «non-volley» zone, located 2.13 meters from the net. Its success lies in its easy learning curve and entertainment value, adapting to each player’s skill level and making it accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities. This sport can be enjoyed by a wide range of people (from young children to elderly individuals) and promotes social inclusivity. It can be played both individually and in pairs.