UK: The Central London Alliance is attempting to achieve a Guinness World Record this September to continue driving the recovery of London.
A 36-hour long game of padel tennis, spanning over two days, will take place this 25th and 26th September at the pop-up padel court in The Crescent, Tower Hill. The current world record stands at 30 hours and 30 minutes.
The event will coincide with The Lord Mayor’s Appeal’s City Giving Day. All funds raised during the event will go to The Lord Mayor’s Appeal’s selected charities – National Numeracy, MQ Mental Health Research and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Across the course of two days, free workshops will also take place for local workers, residents and visitors. Donations from the workshops will also go to The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
The aim of the two-day event is to:
• Place the city of London on the map as a global destination
• Build community engagement and inspire collaborative working
• Promote a new accessible activity to stimulate demand in the Square Mile
• Promote a healthy, active lifestyle to corporates, families, residents and visitors
• Drive footfall into central London and increase dwell time
• Provide an opportunity to raise funds for and increase the profile of charitable causes
Central London Alliance is backed by Aldgate Connect BID, EC BID, Blue Orchid Hospitality and the City of London Corporation’s Destination City programme. Pro Padel UK and TEN Health and Fitness are supporters of the event.
Tony Matharu, founding chairman of the CLA, said: “Not only is this an opportunity to showcase innovation, resilience and sporting excellence in our renowned global city, but it also provides a platform to raise awareness and funds for charitable initiatives. We are grateful to all those who have partnered with us in this unique initiative and look forward to attempting this world record goal.”
He added: “The CLA is committed to making a positive difference to London and its businesses, residents, workers and visitors and in providing unique experiences to stimulate visits to central London, highlighting the reasons for returning to the workplace that are not just about ‘the desk’ – its renowned sporting events, unmatched heritage, arts, culture and other offerings, all whilst ensuring London’s continued status as a leading global city.”
Ruth Duston, founder of Primera – the parent company of Aldgate connect and EC BIDs, said: “London is a city of sports lovers, so what better place to attempt a world record for one of the fastest-growing sports in the world? As two of the business improvement districts located in the City, Aldgate Connect and the EC BID are delighted to be able to support what is set to be a thrilling event that will no doubt contribute to raising the profile of the Square Mile as a leisure destination in its own right.”
Alderman Nicholas Lyons, Lord Mayor of the City of London: “Sport unites nations, as we saw with the fantastic performances of the Lionesses in Australia recently which made us all proud. But it also unites communities, and the funds raised through this attempt will ensure The Lord Mayor’s Appeal charity partners can support those communities even further. Breaking this record will be no mean feat and I wish the challengers the very best of luck.”
