The thirteenth edition of Vallarta's largest community sports event saw athletes from Canada, the United States and all over Mexico here in Puerto Vallarta May 19 - 21, competing and having fun. And it gave many of us the chance to participate in or watch our favorite sports, including basketball, women's pro beach volleyball, salon volleyball, slow pitch softball, tennis and a 5K race. Most events took place at the municipal stadium across from the host hotel, the Sheraton Buganvilias, exceptions including beach volleyball at Flamingos Beach in the Hotel Zone, the aerobics marathon at Los Arcos on the Malecon, and new this year, bowling at the Bolerama in Collage. And because so many teams participated in the soccer tournament alone, games were played on some 10 different fields around the city. Not only is the Sports Classic a series of competitions for both amateurs and professionals, more importantly it is a fiesta of friendship, says founder Howard Kelsey, a former Canadian Olympic basketball champion. "It's good clean fun for the entire family that sets a positive example for our youth." Plaques recognizing the support this event has received over the years were handed out at the traditional, big welcome cocktail party at the Sheraton. Next year's event takes place May 11 - 13. For more information, contact Kelsey at hifive@ca.inter.net.