PickleballMEXICO
By Javier Regalado
PRESIDENT , LPPM
‘ EL MEÑO ’
Pickleball has become an amazing sport because it ’ s composed of amazing people . As I travel around my country visiting and learning what is being done in many communities to promote and teach pickleball , I have met incredible people with diverse backgrounds , which partly explains pickleball ’ s growth explosion around the world .
During a recent visit to a tournament in Hermosillo , I had the opportunity to meet and talk to Manuel “ El Meño ” Manriquez . He is one of those great characters around pickleball whose story is very inspiring . El Meño is a fisherman , and he goes out to the ocean every night , mostly alone , on his boat . He pulls the fishing line with his bare hands because that ’ s the technique he likes to practice . He comes back to port early in the morning with the catch of the night and sells it to local restaurants .
After fishing , El Meño heads to the local courts to play , and spends his
El Meño ’ s great catch !
“ El Meño ” takes to the courts with a beautiful sunset .
evenings with his spouse , Sammy , teaching pickleball to a group of underprivileged kids . He rests in the evening and heads back to the ocean at night . He doesn ’ t like using a cell phone because technology distracts him from enjoying and living the important things of life . He shows me videos and pictures of the middle of the ocean , several miles away from the coast , with spectacular views of the star-filled skies , orcas surrounding him , and gorgeous colors of the ocean overnight under a full moon . He tells me incredible stories . Just the idea of being alone in the middle of the ocean on a small boat raises fear in my head . But not for him . El Meño is fearless — the same way he plays on the courts . He ’ s also full of enthusiasm , energy , happiness and joy , and it ’ s contagious .
He reminds me of an old tale … A tourist visits a beach resort in Mexico and watches a fisherman catch a bucket of fish every morning . One day he says to the fisherman , “ I ’ ve seen you fish every morning . What do you do the rest of the day ?” The fisherman responds , “ Well , I go back home , my wife cooks for the family , we all eat together , I take a nap , and then go into town to spend the evening with family and friends , chilling , talking , singing and dancing . Then , I go to sleep and start all over the next day .” The tourist then asks ,” Why don ’ t you stay all day fishing ? That way you can save money and buy a boat , then grow , buy more boats , expand and export your products , and become an international company .” The fisherman asks , “ Why ? For what reason ?” The tourist replies , “ Well , that way you can sell your company , become a millionaire , retire to a coastal community , fish in the morning , and spend your evenings with your friends ,” and the fisherman says , “ Hello ?”