Caribbean Pickleball Championship Kicks Off in Bermuda
Exciting Start to the Caribbean Pickleball Championship
The Caribbean Pickleball Championship has officially commenced in Bermuda, attracting teams from various Caribbean nations. The opening ceremony took place at WER Joell Stadium, with participants from Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda, and Jamaica in attendance, as reported by local news sources. The event was inaugurated with the presence of local dignitaries, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
George Thomas, the president of the Pickleball Association of Bermuda, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “It’s wonderful to finally see everyone gathered here. This achievement is the result of hard work from individuals like Gavin Manders and the PAB board.” He acknowledged the challenges faced, including weather disruptions and flight cancellations, but emphasized the strong spirit of camaraderie among the participants.
Minister of Sport Owen Darrell officially opened the championships, underscoring the event's importance for Bermuda. He remarked, “The presence of multiple nations and a large number of players from Bermuda highlights the government's commitment to promoting this sport. Hosting such an event aligns with our national sports plan to enhance Bermuda's influence on the regional and international stage.”
On the competitive front, Gavin Manders shone for the host nation, clinching the men’s singles 5.0 title by defeating Trinidad’s Josh Arnold with a score of 15-4. Manders expressed his gratitude for still being able to compete at a high level, stating, “I’m truly blessed to still be out here playing singles.”
Other notable performances included Wilfred Gonsalves, who won gold in the over-60 men’s singles category. Gonsalves, a retired tennis player, shared his enjoyment of the event, saying, “I came out to meet new people and enjoy the experience. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of games I played.”
Albert De Matas from Trinidad & Tobago also made headlines by securing his country's first medal of the week. He shared his heartfelt experience of arriving in Bermuda, expressing gratitude to his friend who brought him along. “This trip has been a dream come true,” he said, praising the island's beauty and the warmth of its people.