SPAIN HOSTS
INTERNATIONAL PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
AROUND THE WORLD
Mike Hess , President of the Spanish Pickleball Association and VP of the IFP , reports that the Spanish Pickleball Association ( Pickleball Spain ) recently hosted the International Pickleball Tournament in Madrid , Spain . Participants representing 11 different countries took part in the competition that is open to all skill levels .
“ Pickleball ’ s global expansion is well underway ,” says Hess , “ and international tournaments are important platforms to create visibility for the sport as well as to allow newer players to test their skills in organized competition .”
SHAKESPEARE AND PICKLEBALL
Steve Hughes ( www . pickleball . org . uk ) is hosting a tournament in Oxford , England , that is celebrating the 400th birthday of William Shakespeare on October 21-23 . Clinics will be held on Friday . U . S . players are welcome and will be helping with the clinics .
For only 20 pounds per person , on September 11 , there was a one-day doubles tournament , “ Pickleball , Paella , and Pimms ,” in the seaside town of Broadstairs , Kent . It was an outdoor championship limited to 48 teams placed in eight pools leading up to a knockout . Paella and Pimms were included in the entry fee !
MUMBAI Results from the July 24 District Selection Tournament in Mumbai , India , are in with great photos — note the crowds ! The
Indoor Badminton Hall of Akbar Gymkhana hosted 60 men and 20 women . Mr . Sanjay Devnani , President of Akbar Gymkhana , was the chief guest at the opening ceremony . “ Khar Gymkhana is always responsive to support any innovative sporting ideas and initiatives and hence we would be happy to help pickleball grow in our Gymkhana ,” he stated .
The tournament was sponsored by the Mumbai Suburban District Pickleball Association and was sanctioned by the All India Pickleball Association ( AIPA ). Singles , doubles , and mixed categories were conducted . Officials from the National Sports Centre awarded prizes at the closing ceremony .
THE SENIOR SUPER CIRCUIT
For exciting news in the U . S . for international senior players , Ford Roberson is starting an International Super Senior Circuit . Plans are in the works for six U . S . tournaments and a wild-card event in Madrid in September of 2017 . We already have some commitments . Please let us know your thoughts and your email addresses at the IFP booth at the USAPA Nationals in November . We will try to update the IFP website regularly to keep everyone informed on this exciting innovation . At last the seniors will have the opportunities to play that the pros have . Kudos to Ford Roberson !
And , finally , please send me your ideas and your interest if you want to represent the U . S . or Canada in the Challenge . We need a Canadian leader and a host venue . Drop by the IFP booth at the nationals or e mail me at Alice-tym @ utc . edu . •
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | MAGAZINE 33