A simple idea brought shipbrokers from several companies together on the padel courts at Nordic Padel in Oslo. The result was friendly competition, new connections across the industry, and support for children affected by war and conflict.
The initiative came from, among others, Hege Fredheim of SSY Global and Hans Nicolai Edbo, Director of the Norwegian Shipbrokers’ Association. The idea was to bring the industry together around an activity with a purpose beyond the game itself.
For Fredheim, the idea of a padel tournament came during a conversation with SOS Children’s Villages. She wanted to raise money for children growing up without parental care in war-affected areas. And she wanted to make it fun!
The shipbroking industry is known for being both social and competitive, and padel is an activity where beginners and experienced players alike can take part.
– Our industry is full of competitive people, so I thought we needed an activity that would bring us together to compete, have fun and support a good cause.
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Strong response from the start
Planning began last autumn, and according to Edbo, the response was positive from the very beginning.
– Hege introduced the idea last autumn, we picked it up and started planning. It didn’t really take much. We put together an invitation in collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages and shared it through our channels.
– Shipbrokers are a pretty competitive and sporty bunch. We like to compete, especially against each other. Because of the evolving geopolitical situation, a few teams had to pull out at the last minute, but everyone who made it was in great spirits.
– We’ve had ski races and sailing competitions earlier, but this was the first time the goal was to support a good cause. The skill levels varied, but everyone joined in. This was actually my first proper padel match.
Strong turnout despite the situation in the Middle East
The proceeds go to SOS Children’s Villages’ work supporting families so they can care for and protect their children, even in the midst of war and crisis.
Interest in the tournament was high. 15 teams signed up, and paid an entry fee with a set minimum amount.
– The most challenging part has been that it’s a busy industry and everyone’s always on the move. The situation in the Middle East has made schedules even tighter. We initially had 15 teams signed up, but ended up with 10, says Edbo.
On the courts, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the level ranged from first-time players to experienced tennis players. Still, it wasn’t just about the game. For many shipbrokers, the pace is high around the clock.
With the recent escalation in the Middle East, several participants found themselves juggling multiple things at once.
Even during the matches, clients still needed attention, emails had to be answered and calls picked up.
But the tournament went on. Shipbrokers are used to juggling multiple demands at once. On the courts, balls bounced off the glass walls and the hall was filled with laughter as colleagues and competitors met for friendly matches.
– It’s great to see people enjoying themselves on court playing to their own skill level, with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Padel is all about teamwork, strategy and quick decision-making. It’s really not that different from shipbroking, says Edbo.
Competitors meet for a friendly game
The event also became a space where competitors could meet in a more informal setting.
– It’s always great to bring shipbrokers together. We regularly have professional gatherings and themed events, often followed by dinner. This was a different and fun combination. We are always happy to participate for a good cause. It’s also great to see people from different companies competing, connect and spend time together. There’s definitely a potential to involve even more people next time.
For Fredheim, it was important that the event felt both social and meaningful.
– This has been great fun for everyone taking part, both the game itself and being part of something that is giving back. It’s something special to do this together with friendly rivals.
She also highlights the collaboration with Nordic Padel as a key reason to the event’s success.
– This didn’t take much time organising. Nordic Padel said yes right away, the Shipbrokers’ Association reaches everyone in the industry, and we’ve had great collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages.
Nordic Padel also made their courts in Oslo available free of charge for the event. In addition, they provided drinks for the participants, a lounge area to mingle in, staff on site, and a big screen that made it easy to keep track of time and follow the matches throughout the day.
The fact that participants came from all over, really made an impression on the organisers.
– Everyone has been so positive about this initiative, and it was especially nice to see people travelling from different parts of the country to join, particularly in such a busy industry.
Coming together from across the country
One participants who had travelled the furthest was John Steinar Olsen-Sumd from Haugesund. His team went all the way and won the tournament. He didn’t play himself but took on the role of coach and moral support.
– It’s for a good cause, so of course we wanted to be part of it.
Alongside the cause and the competition, the day was also very much about teambuilding and meeting others in the industry.
– It’s a great setup, relaxed and easy-going. It’s nice to meet colleagues from the same company who work in different parts of the country, and to get to know others across the industry. We also saw a great opportunity to combine the trip to Oslo for the padel tournament with a few client meetings.
Contributing to children who need support, added an extra dimension to the day.
– For us, it means… well, many of us are parents, and being able to make even a small contribution in the bigger picture means a lot.
More than just a game
He also feels that an event like this gives something extra compares to a regular donation.
– Just sending money can feel a bit impersonal. Here, we get to experience something together.
The fact that the industry showed up despite a challenging global situation also made an impression on several participants. Morten Røine from Fearntank at Fearnleys describes the tournament as an important meeting place in an industry where many are constantly on the move.
– It’s a great arena for people in the same line of work to meet in a more informal setting, something most people enjoy. Because of the geopolitical situation, we couldn’t bring as many as we had hoped. At the same time, while it’s fun to play and get a break, it’s also meaningful because it supports a good cause. It’s the children who need it most, and that’s incredibly important given how the world is developing right now. Especially as many of the countries where SOS Children’s Villages operates are receiving less attention in the news.
The Norwegian Shipbrokers’ Association hopes this is just the first of many padel tournaments
– Despite the challenging times we’re in, we’re able to come together for some friendly competition while raising money for a good cause we know makes a real difference, says Edbo.
He also has a clear message to others considering something similar.
– Just go for it and make it happen. Get people involved and create engagement.
Fredheim hopes more companies will be inspired.
– Just get started and do it. It’s really enjoyable, meaningful and low-threshold. I think it matters because it gives people the chance to take time out of their working day for something bigger than themselves, and to give something back.
For the participants, the answer is clear when asked if they would join again next time.
– Yes, without a doubt, says coach John Steinar Olsen-Sumd from Haugesund, whose team also took home this year’s win.
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