Once more, Mazarron has taken centre stage on the international sporting stage after successfully hosting the Hydro-Fly World Championship at its marina during the end of September, drawing elite riders and large crowds over three action-packed days.

International riders take to the water in thrilling showcase of sports adrenaline

Held at the Puerto Deportivo from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, September 26, the competition united athletes from across the globe, including Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, France and Spain. The waters of Mazarron provided the perfect setting for the thrilling, high-adrenaline sport, with spectators lining the marina throughout the weekend to catch a glimpse of the gravity-defying spectacle.

Finals draw biggest crowds of the weekend

The largest crowds gathered on Sunday, when the semi-finals and finals took place, delivering a thrilling finale to the championship. Riders soared above the water using hydro-powered jet systems, showcasing skill, balance and precision in front of an enthusiastic audience of locals and visitors.

Champions crowned across multiple categories

In the Pro men’s category, Jeff Gazzola, from France, was crowned world champion, pulling off an impressive performance against strong international competition. In second place was Robert Yaszczold, and in third place was Rodrigo Delgado, both of whom also featured among the top competitors in other categories.

Elsewhere, Viktor Kanevski claimed victory in the junior category, followed by Pepelu Leceta and Víctor García, while Sergei Filippov led the veterans’ podium ahead of Yaszczold and Delgado. In the women’s competition, Mirella Kalashnikova secured the gold, with Martyna Irene Szczygiel placing second and Elena Vera placing third.

Boosting Mazarron as an ultimate sports tourism destination

The event formed part of a wider programme that promotes Mazarron as a year-round destination for sports tourism. Exhibitions, shows and activities ran alongside the championship, helping to attract visitors outside the peak summer season. With strong international participation and a lively atmosphere throughout, the Hydro-Fly World Championship has further cemented Mazarron’s reputation as a host for major sporting events, and has shown that the town’s locals and visitors live and breathe thrilling competitions.

If you have ever fancied hearing those a famous words on a stage “he’s behind you!” from the audience, your moment has arrived. Fuengirola’s famous English-speaking theatre is casting its Christmas pantomime, Dick Whittington and it could be you.

What roles are up for grabs and when

Hopefuls can go along on Saturday, October 17 from 6pm to 9pm, or on Sunday, October 18 from 10am to 2pm. Both sessions take place at the Salon Varietes Theatre just off the main square.

There is something for nearly everyone. Leading parts include the naive young adventurer Dick Whittington, the pretty and knowing Alice Fitzwarren and the wicked King Rat. Comedy fans will love Sarah the Cook, the larger-than-life Dame, who comes with big personality and plenty of audience interaction.

Other characters include:

– Fairy Bow Bells, a Cockney fairy who slips in cheeky innuendos while pretending not to notice
– Alderman Fitzwarren, the very hesitant owner of Fitzwarren’s Store
– Captain Bilge of the *Saucy Sal*
– The Sultan of Morocco
– Malcolm the Rat, a young trainee rat new to being evil
– Tommy the Cat, who needs no further explanation

Teenage dancers are wanted for the ensemble. Children aged seven and over can play the Panto Babes (the rats), although these parts may also go to the chorus or dancers.

What you need to prepare and when you need to be available to perform

Singers should bring a song, and dancers should come ready with a routine. Nerves are normal, and this is a friendly community production, so nobody will bite (except perhaps King Rat). Performances run from Saturday, December 19 to Wednesday, December 23. After a short break for Christmas, the pantomime returns Friday, January 2 to Monday, January 5.

Director Keith Spitalnick has led the theatre’s pantomimes for several years, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 2024 and Jack and the Beanstalk last winter. For more information, call or WhatsApp him on +34 674 121 569.

If you prefer to work behind the scenes and help make the magic happen, the theatre are also always on the look out for stage hands. Message directly via Facebook to see what is on offer.

So if you want to add an bit of sparkle to the Christmas stage then warm up to vocal chords and pop on your jazz shoes and give it a go. Actors, singers and dancers of all ages are welcome.

Laughter rang out across Miraflores Tennis Club in Mijas as La Cala Lions staged their fourth Memory Day for children living with cancer and other serious illness. Dedicated Lion Wynson Beswick once again pulled the day together, turning months of fundraising into an afternoon of games, water and family time that families say stays with them.

Wynson’s idea that gifts experience, not just presents

Wynson, a former club president and grandmother, first pushed for this format because toys get forgotten. “Can we give the children experiences? A memory of the day? That’s something that will stay with them forever,” she has said. Fellow Lions and friends answered her call again this year. Volunteers ran stalls, kept the barbecue going and made sure every child left with a gift voucher.

Fundación Olivares, AECC and ADIMI brought families they support. Andrés Olivares, who started the foundation after losing his son Luis to leukaemia, has called earlier editions “a marvellous thing” for families to share a beautiful day. Club members echoed that warmth. One Lion who helped last year wrote that it “really was a brilliant day for the children and their families.”

Pool, games and a barbecue built for special children

Kids piled onto an inflatable slide in the swimming pool, tried duck fishing and shuffleboard, painted bags and even had a go at the bodhrán. A magician worked the crowd while parents watched from the shade. More than a hundred people came last year; this fourth gathering kept that same busy, happy feel.

La Cala Lions have raised well over €1.5 million over the years for local causes, including earlier Memory Days and summer collections such as the Percy Pig bar crawl that went straight towards this fun day. Details and how to help are at lacalalions.org or on 607 879 450.

Wynson’s quiet persistence, and the Lions who back her, keep giving these children one carefree day they can carry home.