TOURNAMENT FEATURE
PICKLEB-OLÉ
THE SOMBRERO SHOWDOWN & AMIGOS CUP , SAN CARLOS , SONORA , MEXICO
By Sue Fehrle , President of the San Carlos Pickleball Association
Music , Mariachi , Margaritas — and a healthy dose of fantastic pickleball play was the order of the day at the Sombrero Showdown in beautiful San Carlos , Sonora , Mexico . The new six-court pickleball facility lies at the foot of the spectacular Tetakawi Mountain and is surrounded by stunning views of the Sea of Cortez , a dazzling sea that famed explorer Jacques Cousteau once called “ the world ’ s aquarium .”
Mariachi music plays the sounds of Mexico to the crowd of players and spectators .
Of the 144 players , half were out-of-towners and visiting this part of northern Mexico for the first time — and after five fun-filled days of activities and games , it certainly won ’ t be their last . The festivities began with a pre-tournament Dink ’ n Drinks Welcome Party at the adjacent Bonifacio ’ s restaurant with complimentary appetizers and live entertainment by local icon , Mark Mulligan . Mark sang about sunshine , sailboats and sandy beaches . Some lucky players won raffle items up for grabs , including a paddle , bag and ball package donated by Paddletek .
The next morning , Opening Ceremonies included the national anthems from Mexico , the USA and Canada , beautifully and proudly sung by locals , one of whom is also a player .
In his speech , the town ’ s bilingual mayor , Salvador Macias , welcomed everyone and said , “ Competitors from many countries are coming together in harmony and friendship — brought together by their common love for pickleball .”
With perfect 75-degree weather and sunny skies , players competed first in the Men ’ s Doubles , then the Mixed Doubles and finally the Women ’ s Doubles . The play was intense and exciting , with many high-level players competing for gold .
On Sunday evening , a Mexican Beach Fiesta was organized for the players at a seaside restaurant . Players were able to enjoy the sunset , sand ,
Kim Forrester holding the Amigos Cup tray in front of the Tetakawi ( mountain )
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