The IFP Sportsmanship Award was given to Leo
Gonzales of Spain and Europe’s special Sportsmanship
award went to Cyril Dirand of France as his French
compatriots sang the Marseillaise. After all, it was
Bastille Day, July 14! Both players are very popular on
the European circuit.
At the end there were lots of hugs and kisses on
both cheeks for everyone. Maggy Robberegt of
Holland said that the Bainbridge Cup was “charming,
good competition and fair play.” Indiana’s Dawn
Horan thought this year’s events were amazing:
“Representing your own country and building bridges
instead of walls is so important. We have so many
things in common, especially pickleball.” •
Abiruchi, Supriya,
Manish Rao, Bonita
Baker-Robins, Megha
Bonita celebrated
her gold medal with
some of the Team
India members.
India brought a large
contingent of very
enthusiastic players.
John Lightbody,
Louise Stephens and
Taff Tarling
Not to be outdone in
the celebration was
Louise Stephens,
a self-proclaimed
“rose between
two thorns.” She
delighted everyone
throughout the
tournament.
Greg Woodsum, Ron Ponder, Irish twins Daniel
Hajnal, Benjamin Hajnal
Two very good, young Irish players competed in
the men’s doubles. Pickleball in Europe is a young
players’ game.
Cyril Dirand of France received the prestigious
European Sportsmanship award on Bastille Day
as his compatriots sang the Marseillaise. Leo
Gonzales, the last recipient, presented the paddle.
Europeans choose a recipient at each major
tournament. Their support for one another makes
all of the events more fun for everyone.
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An enthusiastic flag
ceremony got the
Bainbridge Cup off to
a good start.
Pat Murphy, IFP
President; Karen
Mitchell, 2020 host
of Bainbridge Cup in
England; Ron Ponder,
2019 Bainbridge
Cup Assistant
Tournament Director;
Ford Roberson,
German Open Tech
Support; and Lucy
Kitcher, German
Open Volunteer
Extraordinaire.