The Annual Mitchell Hopkins La Tania Padel Doubles Tournament

Back in December last year the La Tania family lost a much loved local, colleague and friend.

Mitch was starting his third Winter season with girlfriend Michaela running a catered chalet after being out here all Summer enjoying the biking, hiking, via ferrata climbing, padel tennis and even covering a few shifts in Pub Le Ski Lodge when we so sadly lost him.

As a fitting remembrance it was decided an annual Summer Padel tournament would be held amongst the friends he played with. His mum, Lisa and sister Abi flew out too making it a very emotional day for all.

A World Cup type draw for partners was made before a group stage, semi finals and final were held.

The forecast storms just managed to stay away until the end of the tournament and the impromptu BBQ was held under a tarpaulin as we all raised a glass to Mitch.

Some great Padel rallies and the La Tania competitiveness coming out in droves with Pool Winners Luke & Christine and Ian & Rachel both losing their semi finals to Graeme & Georgia and Tracker & Claire respectively.

Tracker and Claire were the eventual winners – congratulations to them!

As the rain came down we retired to Pub Le Ski Lodge for drink and snacks (thank you Harriet, Luke and the Ski Lodge team) to share stories and remember Mitch.

Thanks to everyone for taking part, umpires Jason & Toffa, all those who brought drinks down, Richard & Claire for the BBQ Sausages (and the photos) plus Ralph for hosting & organising the whole event and sourcing the trophy which will be on show behind the bar at the Ski Lodge – See you all next year.

Mitch’s legacy lives on – there’s a Go Fund Me page in aid of children cancer and heart health charities which all players and spectators contributed to today. www.gofundme.com/f/mitchs-legacy-lives-on