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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