Against All Odds. Howard Kelsey and Gemma Garciarce grew up accustomed to fighting battles against insurmountable odds. This year is no exception. Our “friend” Hurricane KENNA made landfall and caused major damage to the Sheraton Buganvilias Hotel.
So much damage, in fact, that it is barely set to reopen, and participants in the tenth Annual Sports Classic will not be able to stay there this year. Instead, they will be holding forth at the Buenaventura Hotel. Last year, participants came from Africa, Canada, Cuba, Europe, and other places. Howard recalls that the first basketball tournament ten years ago was played on a dirt floor, where the auditorium now stands. Howard has consistently enlisted the services of Martha Elena Paredes, who came from Cancún, and she joined Claudia Velásquez to co-direct the event. You can reach them at: (322) 223-53-34.
The enthusiasm does not wane as anticipation builds in the lead-up to this year’s event. Howard, at a svelte 206 pounds, hopes to introduce women’s basketball this year, but there is not enough participation to make it happen.
A press conference was called for May 22 at 11:15 a.m. Tennis preliminaries begin on Monday, May 19, at the PRESIDENTE, formerly John Newcombe Resort. On Wednesday the 23rd and Thursday the 24th, guests, sponsors, and participants will arrive. While tennis runs all day, there will be a sponsors’ meeting at 5:15 p.m. The basketball coaches’ meeting and coordination will take place at 6 p.m.
More guests will arrive over the U.S. Memorial Day weekend.
The “AGA” men’s basketball tournament will be held daily from 8 a.m. until midnight, with participation from 12 AAU-level teams. The Corona Pro Beach Women’s Volleyball will take place alongside the Sheraton, featuring 24 teams from around the world, including Olympic participants and pros. 80 youth “Athletica” soccer teams will compete at the Municipal Stadium. The “Cristalería del Pacífico… Posada Río Cuale” tennis division, with 100 participants, will compete daily.
On Friday night, there will be a welcome cocktail by the pool at the Buenaventura Hotel, starting at 7:15 p.m.
On Saturday, May 24, the “Bay Bike” stationary bike marathon will be held at the stadium entrance from 9 a.m. until noon. The Nokia Telcel aerobics marathon will be on the malecón at 4 p.m.
On Sunday, May 25, there will be a fun 5km race starting at 9 a.m. Tennis finals will be at 3 p.m., volleyball finals at 4:30 p.m., softball finals at 6 p.m., and basketball finals at 6 p.m.
Nighttime parties will be at Carlos O’Brians, and the dance at Christine.
This year as well, athletes will receive a 50% discount at GOLD’S GYM, thanks to the graciousness of owner John Blomfeld. For information and reservations, contact Cesar Gonzales, sales director at the Buenaventura Hotel, tel. 22-6-70-41.
More information about this event is online in the events section.
Ah, and the Sheraton is expanding its restaurant services, rooms, and conference capacity, with a reopening date scheduled for December of this year. We won’t hold our breath, but will anticipate more victories amidst insurmountable odds.
by Peter Wells Scott
