This Padel Tournament Helps Bring a Shelter for Children with Chronic Diseases

JAKARTA - The sport of padel has recently become increasingly popular among urban people. Not only as a fitness activity, padel is also developing as part of a social lifestyle that brings together many communities in a relaxed but competitive atmosphere.

Its ever-increasing popularity has led to these sports-based activities being associated with social action and raising awareness.

This spirit can be seen in the Padel for Hope tournament which will be held again on May 8-10, 2026 at KALMA Social Club, Jakarta. This event not only presents sports matches, but also becomes a space for collaboration to help families of children with chronic diseases.

The tournament was attended by more than 260 participants from various circles. Through this activity, support was collected for the construction of the fifth Shelter House with a capacity of 33 rooms at the Kemenkes Surabaya Hospital as well as the Family Waiting Room at the Dr. H. Abdul Moeloek Hospital, Lampung.

Behind the atmosphere of a competitive match, the atmosphere of togetherness and solidarity felt quite strong throughout the event. This momentum also coincides with the International Family Day which carries the spirit of "Play for a Cause".

"This is a collective movement that brings people together to bring hope to families of children with chronic diseases in Indonesia. Thank you to all participants, communities, and sponsor partners who have supported this event,"

"The contribution made has a big role in bringing more shelter facilities and family waiting rooms for the RMHC Foundation for thousands of families of children's patients in various regions," said Caroline Djajadiningrat, Chairman of the RMHC Foundation in her statement to VOI, Friday, May 22.

The need for family support facilities for children's patients is still quite large in various regions. Data from the Surabaya Ministry of Health Hospital shows that about 70 percent of children's patients come from outside the city such as Banyuwangi, Jember, Madiun, to Madura. Some families even have to travel up to 10 hours to get access to treatment.

Not a few children's patients who undergo treatment for chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disorders, to kidney disease that require long-term treatment. This condition makes families have to spend additional costs for housing and daily needs while accompanying their children undergoing treatment.

This situation was experienced directly by Elfridus, the parents of a child patient who had stayed at the Denpasar Shelter House while accompanying their child against leukemia.

"The most difficult thing is not only about the cost, but also the fatigue and confusion when you have to go through everything in a city far from home," he said.

He admitted that the existence of a shelter helped the patient's family have a more decent place to rest during the treatment period.

"With a comfortable, free, and close to the hospital, we can rest and still monitor the child's condition at all times, so that we feel more calm during the treatment process," he continued.

Currently, the shelter facility managed by the foundation has been present in several cities, including Jakarta and Denpasar.

In addition to providing temporary housing for patient families, the facility is also designed so that children still have a play area and a comfortable atmosphere during treatment.

"The Shelter House is not just a temporary place to stay, but a recovery space that provides a comfortable and warm atmosphere like at home. We want children to be able to play, learn, and feel the presence of their families by their side because it is very important to maintain the emotional condition of children during treatment. Through the spirit of Keeping Families Close, we believe that every child still has the right to enjoy a happy and loving childhood even while undergoing medical treatment," Caroline added.

The high enthusiasm of the community in this tournament also shows how sports are now not only a part of a healthy lifestyle, but also a space to build social awareness together.

"Seeing the enthusiasm of hundreds of people coming to compete, share, and help each other through the Padel for Hope Vol. 2 tournament, is a reminder of the good intentions born from moments of warm togetherness and mutual encouragement."

"For us, this is in line with the spirit of mutual cooperation and concern that has been the DNA of McDonald's Indonesia since we arrived 35 years ago and which makes us fully Indonesian," said Meta Rostiawati, Associate Director of Communications McDonald's Indonesia.

Even though the tournament has ended, assistance for families of children patients is still needed. Community support is expected to help more families have a decent place to rest while accompanying children undergoing treatment away from home.