May 20-22, 2005: (12th ANNUAL): "Puerto Vallarta Sidral Aga International Sports Classic"

Place: Hotel Sheraton Resort and Towers.

Events: Basketball (16 team men’s open): Former / active Olympic / professional / semi-professional and recreational players from Canada, USA and Mexico. Among other competitions are: (1km, 5km & 10km) Terry Fox vs. Cancer Run/Walk (aprox. 3,500 persons), Aerobics Marathon, tennis (all levels), (110) youth soccer teams, Canadian and US Embassy exhibition slow pitch softball, 100+ participants in disc golf. More than 2,000 participants in seven sports. Open to the public to participate or simply enjoy the events. Welcome cocktail approx. (800) persons: Hosted by Municipality of Vallarta, Jalisco Secretary of Tourism and the Canadian Consulate.
Background: Last year’s 11th Annual Sports Classic drew more than 1,500 participants, as well as their friends and families. (This year we anticipate over 2,000 persons). Co-presented by the Canadian Embassy to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations with Mexico. Canadian Ambassador Gaetan Lavertu and Puerto Vallarta Mayor, Gustavo Gonzalez enjoyed a Vallarta sunset along with guests at the Sheraton Buganvilias kickoff cocktail. The five days of competitions included a new children’s basketball division, ages 13 to 16. The men’s division saw lots of NBA stars and International star players, including Jerome Kersey, Jeff Moore, Berry Randle and Greg Wiltjer. Ron Putzi, Karl Tillleman, Lars Hansen, Dan Meagher, Bob Hieltjes, numerous Mexican National team players and the Univ. of British Columbia to the list of NBA and international basketball stars that have participated in our event. Tennis, aerobics, spin bike, soccer, softball and a 5K marathon rounded out the menu.
Social events nightly: Carlos O’Brian’s and The Zoo club.
Information: Sheraton Buganvilias resort: (322) 226 04 04 ext. 6038 – Attn: Verónica Alarcón, Event Coordinator.

IMAGES FROM LAST YEAR’S EVENT

Michael Grant, Canadian Embassy, Gemma Gariarce, Sheraton owner, Horacio González, Secretary of Tourism and Vallarta Tourism Director, Agustín Alvarez.