ted
nticipa ch
a
t
s
o
The m e 2019 Fren
ll
th
event— en Pickleba —
p
p
O
ionshi
Champ ight
e
is just away.
s
month
of the country—and is officially recognized by the
International Federation of Pickleball (IFP).
Mike Hess of Pickleball Spain, who is also
IFP president, was a staunch supporter from
the beginning, offering Pierre the benefit of his
considerable experience in introducing a new sport
to a country more inclined toward tennis and soccer.
PF also developed close working relationships with
other countries—most notably the North American
pickleball community.
With an influx of young, talented players, France
began to make its mark at tournaments in Madrid,
Amsterdam, Helsinki and the UK. An intense but
friendly rivalry with the Spaniards often ended with the
one-two positions split between the two teams.
A notable increase in the number of players, combined
with the concerted efforts of Pierre and his team,
meant new venues began to open up and the seed was
planted for the first national tournament in 2017, held in
Montauroux with 50 participants from around the country.
PF caught the attention of Carl Schmits while on
his Paddletek European tour in September 2017.
Carl responded positively to an invitation to come to
Montauroux, bringing four top American players with
him. All generously offered their time and expertise
in skills development to local players. One of them,
Kyle Yates, was so enthusiastic about his experience
and the warm welcome that he returned to France
in spring 2018 to give clinics in both Montauroux
and Chamonix, prior to the second annual national
tournament.
Meanwhile,
other ideas were
born, such as
weeklong boot camps
aimed at drawing players
from the U.S. and Europe to a
beautiful part of France to hone
their skills under the guidance
of American pro players. Add a
few excursions to nearby Grasse (think perfume!) and
the beautiful Cote d’Azur and what’s not to like? PF also
has big plans to invest in the promotion of the game
nationwide, and will support the training of instructors
to be officially sanctioned by either the International
Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA)
or the Professional Pickleball Registry. A major goal
for Pickleball France is to be recognized by the French
Ministry of Sports.
The most anticipated event—the 2019 French
Open Pickleball Championship—is just eight months
away. Up to 200 players from North America,
Europe and around the world will gather at the
Tennis Club de Fayence, a venue with 16 outdoor
hard-surface courts in a gorgeous setting. Keep an
eye on pickleballtournaments.com for the official
announcement and opening of registration.
Meanwhile, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.
com/pickleballfrance and Instagram @pickleballfrance
or check out our website, www.pickleballfrance.org.
Continued on next page >
Germany is Host
to the 2019
Bainbridge Cup
& German Open
Two International
Competitions—
One Three-Day Event
New International Federation of Pickleball
member the German Pickleball Association will
host the 2019 Bainbridge Cup and The German
Open events in Essen, Germany.
Team North America faces off against Team
Europe in the 3rd Annual Bainbridge Cup on July 12.
The German Open Pickleball Championships will
follow on July 13 and 14.
For more information go to ifpickleball.org.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 |
MAGAZINE
55