TOURNAMENT FEATURE
PICKLEB-OLÉ
THE SOMBRERO SHOWDOWN & AMIGOS CUP, SAN CARLOS, SONORA, MEXICO
By Sue Fehrle, President of the San Carlos Pickleball Association
Music, Mariachi, Margaritas— and a healthy dose of fantastic pickleball play was the order of the day at the Sombrero Showdown in beautiful San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. The new six-court pickleball facility lies at the foot of the spectacular Tetakawi Mountain and is surrounded by stunning views of the Sea of Cortez, a dazzling sea that famed explorer Jacques Cousteau once called“ the world’ s aquarium.”
Mariachi music plays the sounds of Mexico to the crowd of players and spectators.
Of the 144 players, half were out-of-towners and visiting this part of northern Mexico for the first time— and after five fun-filled days of activities and games, it certainly won’ t be their last. The festivities began with a pre-tournament Dink’ n Drinks Welcome Party at the adjacent Bonifacio’ s restaurant with complimentary appetizers and live entertainment by local icon, Mark Mulligan. Mark sang about sunshine, sailboats and sandy beaches. Some lucky players won raffle items up for grabs, including a paddle, bag and ball package donated by Paddletek.
The next morning, Opening Ceremonies included the national anthems from Mexico, the USA and Canada, beautifully and proudly sung by locals, one of whom is also a player.
In his speech, the town’ s bilingual mayor, Salvador Macias, welcomed everyone and said,“ Competitors from many countries are coming together in harmony and friendship— brought together by their common love for pickleball.”
With perfect 75-degree weather and sunny skies, players competed first in the Men’ s Doubles, then the Mixed Doubles and finally the Women’ s Doubles. The play was intense and exciting, with many high-level players competing for gold.
On Sunday evening, a Mexican Beach Fiesta was organized for the players at a seaside restaurant. Players were able to enjoy the sunset, sand,
Kim Forrester holding the Amigos Cup tray in front of the Tetakawi( mountain)
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