Amigos San Pedro del Pinatar observe triumph aft winning nan International Walking Football Tournament successful a melodramatic punishment shootout. Credit: Mr. Andy Denning, 1 of nan organisers of nan International Walking Football Tournament
This year’s International Walking Football Tournament successful San Pedro del Pinatar has been hailed arsenic an overwhelming success, acold surpassing expectations and uniting players from crossed Europe successful nan tone of sport, bully old-fashioned fun, and community.
A full of 12 teams from 5 different countries and 9 nationalities took portion successful nan competition, bringing together complete 100 players successful a lively ceremony of stepping shot – a fast-growing athletics designed to support group progressive and connected good into later life.
The event’s organisers, Andy and Beth Denning, had feared nan tourney mightiness beryllium cancelled owed to caller floods and h2o problems successful nan region, but luck smiled connected San Pedro, and nan games went up arsenic planned.
Local Heroes Take nan Title
In a tense and breathtaking finale, section sides San Miguel and San Pedro faced disconnected successful beforehand of a cheering crowd. After a hard-fought draw, Amigos San Pedro del Pinatar claimed triumph successful a thrilling punishment shootout.
“The feedback to nan full play has been truthful positive,” said Andy. “Naturally, america winning is nan icing connected nan cake. Our Thursday nighttime training sessions – which are unfastened to everyone – really paid off. San Miguel’s head moreover joked we looked 20 years younger than them, and considering our oldest subordinate is 74, that’s saying something!”
More Than Just Football
Beth was speedy to item that nan event’s worth goes good beyond competition.
“This is not conscionable astir football,” she said. “It’s a awesome societal outlet and it’s proven fantabulous for some intelligence and beingness health.”
The post-match celebrations took spot astatine OK Bar, featuring a banquet prepared by Lisa T’s Food for Thought, providing a well-earned feast for players and supporters alike.
Andy besides acknowledged nan captious support of sponsors: “This was nan first twelvemonth we sought sponsorship, and we beryllium immense acknowledgment to Annie’s Bar, Five Real Estate, Centros Deportivos, and main sponsor Builder Steve Tanner for covering each our costs.”
A Boost for Local Business
The tourney not only fostered organization tone but besides brought a invited boost to section trade. It’s estimated that complete €175,000 was spent successful nan San Pedro area connected accommodation, dining, and leisure during nan play – a important assistance for nan municipality astatine an different quiet clip of year.
“And group visiting San Pedro del Pinatar for nan first clip were truthful impressed they’ve already signed up for adjacent year,” Andy added proudly.
Until then, nan Amigos San Pedro squad tin bask nan saccharine sound of triumph – and nan title of champions.
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