The International Federation of Pickleball
LOOKING
AND
LOOKING Back Forward
BY ALICE TYM
The IFP( International Federation of Pickleball) booth at the
USAPA Nationals in Casa Grande, AZ, November 5-13, was a busy place. So many players stopped by to pick up literature, ask questions, and offer suggestions as to the direction they would like to see the IFP take.
NEW IFP PRESIDENT
Mike Hess arrived at the USAPA Nationals from Spain. He will be the new IFP President and we are all so excited to have such a capable, forward- thinking, energetic young man to lead us. He wants to expand the sport and the opportunities to play. Mike has proven himself to be an innovator and a leader in Europe. We are so fortunate to have him at this time of great expansion.
COPA INTERNATIONAL
Coming up on the IFP international calendar is the first Copa International to be held in Madrid, Spain, on September 15. This will be a team event of North Americans competing against teams from all over Europe. Commemorative medallions will be presented to all participants. Each nation will have team coaches and wear national uniforms.
INTERNATIONAL PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
The Third Annual International Pickleball Tournament in Madrid will directly follow on September 16-17 so that players may play two events at one venue on successive days. Additional good news is that the Super Senior Circuit has added this event to the SSIPA calendar. Ages 70, 75,
80 are now included. These are outdoor events with fiesta dinners and optional day tours of Spain. You may register at Pickleballtournaments. com and find more information at www. Pickleballspain. org.
UK INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT
The First UK International Tournament was held October 21- 23, 2016, and was a huge success in Shakespeare’ s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. Over 100 participants from 12 countries played at the Leisure Centre. The tournament was double elimination in three groups for the men and two groups for the ladies. The under-40 event culminated in Spain defeating France in the game to 15 at 10:30 p. m.! Mixed doubles on Sunday was a round robin followed by a meal at the 16th century Falcon Hotel.
NEW HOME
Great Britain Pickleball reports that it has raised £ 30,000 for new and existing pickleball groups. GB Pickleball has moved to its new home sponsored by Ramac Holding Ltd. at Bay Point Club in Kent. It now offers coaching and play seven days a week.
THANK YOU!
Many thanks from all of us who play pickleball to the wonderful organizers, officials, and volunteers of the USAPA Nationals. Singing the lovely Canadian national anthem and“ The Star Spangled Banner” gave the tournament a welcoming international flavor. Bravo! •
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