As padel continues its rapid rise on the international stage following its inclusion in the program for the 2027 European Games in Istanbul, the Nova Tribe Community Association has expanded its sports activities with the launch of a new padel group for survivors of the Nova community and bereaved families.
The association, which already operates successful community programs in soccer, basketball, tennis, and table tennis, recently launched a pilot program in padel after growing demand for communal sports activities. According to the organization, participation exceeded expectations from the very first sessions.
Padel, a fast-growing racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, is played in doubles on an enclosed court and has become one of the world’s fastest-growing sports due to its accessibility and social nature. The sport has also gained momentum in Israel in recent years.
Training sessions are being held at the Padelir – Padel Israel Ramat Gan complex at the National Park in Ramat Gan, on courts built by the municipality at an investment of approximately NIS 5 million. The project currently operates on four courts, with plans for expansion in the near future. The sessions are overseen by the facility manager and coach Roy Shapir, together with coach Lior Schwartzberg.
Approximately 20 regular players are currently taking part in the activity, with participation continuing to grow weekly. Alongside active members of the Nova Tribe community, the initiative has also drawn newcomers seeking connection and support through sports.
'Empowering spaces for the survivors and bereaved families'
“We are working to create empowering spaces for the survivors and bereaved families that allow a return to routine alongside strengthening the community,” said Riff Peretz, CEO of the Nova Tribe Community Association. “The expansion of the sports department and the addition of padel express the healing power of physical activity and shared action. We thank the Ramat Gan Municipality and the mayor for their cooperation, and we will continue developing additional initiatives in Israel and around the world as part of our commitment to the community.”
Peretz also said the association hopes the program could eventually produce elite athletes. “We aspire that in the future, a padel player from our community will reach the Olympics and represent us with pride. For us, this is not only a sporting aspiration, but also a statement about the ability to grow, advance, and achieve.”
Carmel Shama-Hacohen, mayor of Ramat Gan, emphasized the municipality’s ongoing support for the Nova community. “Our responsibility as a society is not limited to standing firm in the face of challenges, but also in our ability to see, embrace, and accompany those who carry pain within them,” he said. “Sports are a significant component in healing the soul. Padel provides breathing space and a strong platform for creating emotional and social connections through sport. Ramat Gan will continue to stand beside the community, strengthen, listen, and help build the road forward together.”
National Park chairman Lir Levy added, “The National Park is a place where it is possible to stop for a moment, breathe, and be together. For the survivors of the Nova community, this gathering through sports, movement, and community is a space for genuine strengthening. We see this as a mission and will continue opening the park’s gates to initiatives that create healing, belonging, and hope.”
The padel project is managed by Paz Amar, head of sports for the Nova Tribe Association, together with padel group manager Ilay Edri and a professional coaching staff accompanying the activity. For more information about the Nova Tribe Community Association and its sports activities, please visit www.tribeofnova.com.