Gramado to Host Inaugural Geronto Fair Pickleball Cup Celebrating Active Ageing

Introduction to the Geronto Fair Pickleball Cup

The city of Gramado is set to welcome the first-ever Geronto Fair Pickleball Cup from April 10 to 12 at the Jedai Pickleball Club. This event marks the beginning of activities for the Geronto Fair 2026. Organized by Merkator Feiras e Eventos, the tournament aims to unite athletes from various age groups, emphasizing the importance of active ageing and participation.

Competitions will feature categories for participants aged 40+, 50+, and 60+, with both singles and doubles formats available. Each category will accommodate a maximum of 16 pairs, catering to beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels.

Christa Keeling, an 84-year-old Austrian who introduced pickleball to the region, expressed confidence in the tournament's success, noting the high number of registrations from athletes aged 50 to 80. She shared her journey of discovering pickleball in California after a tennis injury and bringing the sport to Brazil in 2023.

According to Roberta Pletsch, director of Merkator Feiras e Eventos, the tournament transcends mere competition. She stated, “This event is a celebration of active longevity, which is at the heart of the Geronto Fair. We advocate for healthy living at any age, and sports are a perfect example of this philosophy, fostering social interaction and enhancing quality of life.”

The growing popularity of pickleball, which merges elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has significantly contributed to this initiative, particularly among players over 40. Pletsch highlighted that this demographic aligns perfectly with the Geronto Fair's target audience, which includes professionals and researchers who are becoming increasingly aware of the global demographic shift.

The Cup also aligns with the expanding “silver economy” in Brazil, a sector reportedly generating around R$ 2 trillion annually. Pletsch remarked, “The Cup serves as a tangible way to engage with this concept, linking sports, networking, and well-being.” Through this tournament, the Geronto Fair aims to broaden its scope beyond traditional conferences and exhibitions, creating a platform that integrates sports, community, and economic opportunities.