10th Annual Sports Classic

by Peter Wells Scott

Against all odds. Howard Kelsey and Gemma Garciarce have grown accustomed to fighting battles against insurmountable odds. This year is no exception. There was our friend KENNA who ravished ashore and did major damage to the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias.

So much damage, in fact, that it has yet to re-open, and the participants of the 10th 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 in from Africa, Canada, Cuba, Europe and elsewhere. Howard recalls that the first basketball tourney of 10 years ago was played on a dirt floor, where the present auditorium is located. Howard has consistently called upon the services of Martha Elena Paredes, who flies in from Cancun, and joins Claudia Velásquez to co-direct the event. They can be reached at (322) 223-53-34.

Enthusiasm does not wane as expectations begin to rise in the wake of this year’s events. Howard, at a svelt 206 pounds, had hoped to introduce women’s basketball this year, but there was insufficient participation to carry it forward.

A press conference is called for May 22 at 11.15 am. Tennis prelims start Monday, May 19 at the PRESIDENTE, formerly John Newcombe Resort. Wednesday, the 23rd, and Thursday, the 24th, guests, sponsors, and participants will stream in. While tennis runs all day, there will be a sponsor meeting at 5.15pm. Basketball coaches and a co-ordination meeting will take place at 6 pm.

USA Memorial Day weekend will see the arrival of more guests.

The “AGA” men’s basketball tourney will be conducted daily from 8 am till midnight, with the participation of 12 AAU level teams. The Corona Pro Beach Women’s Volleyball will be conducted next to the Sheraton with 24 teams from around the globe, including Olympic and pro participants. 80 youth teams “Athletica” soccer will compete at the Municipal stadium. “Cristalería del Pácifico… Posada Río Cuale” tennis division, with 100 participants will compete daily.

Friday night will see a welcoming cocktail party at the pool at the Buenaventura Hotel commencing at 7.15 pm.

Saturday, May 24 will feature the “Bay Bike” spin bike marathon at the stadium entrance at 9 am till noon. The “Nokia Telcel Aerobics marathon will be held on the malecón at 4 pm.

On Sunday, May 25, there will be a 5K fun run starting at 9 am. Tennis finals will be held at 3 pm, volleyball finals at 4.30 pm, softball finals at 6 pm, and basketball finals at 6 pm.

Nightly parties will be held at Carlos O’Brians, and dancing at Christine’s.

Also this year, athletes will be offered a 50 percent discount at GOLD’S GYM, thanks to the graciousness of owner John Blomfeld. For reservation information, contact Cesar Gonzales, sales director at Hotel Buenaventura, tel. 22-6-70-41.

More event info is online under the events section.

And, oh yes, The Sheraton is expanding its services for restaurant accommodations, and conferencing capabilities, with a re-opening scheduled for December of this year. We won’t hold our breath but will anticipate more victories amidst insurmountable odds.