Against all odds. Howard Kelsey and
Gemma Garciarce have grown accustomed to fighting battles
against insurmountable odds. This year is no exception.
There was our friend KENNA who ravished ashore and did
major damage to the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias.
So much damage, in fact, that it
has yet to re-open, and the participants of the 10th Annual
Sports Classic will not be able to stay there this year.
Instead they will be holding forth at the Buenaventura
Hotel. Last year participants came in from Africa, Canada,
Cuba, Europe and elsewhere. Howard recalls that the first
basketball tourney of 10 years ago was played on a dirt
floor, where the present auditorium is located. Howard
has consistently called upon the services of Martha Elena
Paredes, who flies in from Cancun, and joins Claudia Velásquez
to co-direct the event. They can be reached at (322) 223-53-34.
Enthusiasm does not wane as expectations
begin to rise in the wake of this year's events. Howard,
at a svelt 206 pounds, had hoped to introduce women's
basketball this year, but there was insufficient participation
to carry it forward.
A press conference is called for
May 22 at 11.15 am. Tennis prelims start Monday May 19
at the PRESIDENTE, formerly John Newcombe Resort. Wednesday,
the 23rd, and Thursday, the 24th, guests, sponsors, and
participants will stream in. While tennis runs all day,
there will be a sponsors meeting at 5.15pm. Basketball
coaches and a co-ordination meeting will take place at
6 pm.
USA Memorial Day weekend will see
the arrival of more guests.
The "AGA" men's basketball
tourney will be conducted daily from 8 am till midnight,
with the participation of 12 AAU level teams.The Corona
Pro Beach Women's Volleyball will be conducted next to
the Sheraton with 24 teams from around the globe, including
Olympic and pro participants. 80 youth teams "Athletica"
soccer will compete at the Municipal stadium. "Cristalería
del Pácifico... Posada Río Cuale" tennis
division, with 100 participants will compete daily.
Friday night will see a welcoming
cocktail party at the pool at the Buenaventura Hotel commencing
at 7.15 pm.
Saturday May 24 will feature the
"Bay Bike" spin bike marathon at the stadium
entrance at 9 am till noon. The "Nokia Telcel Aerobics
marathon will be held on the malecón at 4 pm.
On Sunday, May 25, there will be
a 5K fun run starting at 9 am. Tennis finals will be held
at 3pm, volleyball finals at 4.30 pm, softball finals
at 6 pm, and basketball finals at 6 pm.
Nightly parties will be held at Carlos
O'Brians, and dancing at Christine's.
Also this year, athletes will be
offered a 50 percent discount at GOLD'S GYM, thanks to
the graciousness of owner John Blomfeld. For reservation
information, contact Cesar Gonzales, sales director at
Hotel Buenaventura, tel. 22-6-70-41.
More event info is online under the
events section.
And, oh yes, The Sheraton is expanding
its services for restaurant accommodations, and conferencing
capabilities, with a re-opening scheduled for December
of this year. We won't hold our breath, but will anticipate
more victories amidst insurmountable odds.
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