Bermuda Scores Fair Play Honor: Bermuda’s delegation at the Pickleball World Cup in Lima, Peru, ended the event with a remarkable achievement. Among competitive matches and standout performances, the team received the prestigious fair play award, a testament to their sportsmanship and integrity. The award ceremony took place as the tournament wrapped up on Sunday, with George Thomas, Vice-President of the Pickleball Association of Bermuda, accepting the honor on behalf of the island nation. Bermuda joined New Zealand and Puerto Rico as one of only three countries awarded for exceptional sportsmanship.
Strong Leadership and Team Spirit Lead to Recognition
Danny Fox, another Vice-President of the Pickleball Association of Bermuda and coach of the team, praised Thomas and Gavin Manders, the association’s National Director, for their role in fostering the positive spirit that ultimately secured the award. “It was a wonderful surprise for us,’’ Fox commented. “I’m not sure what the criteria was, but our delegation was very supportive in all the matches. The other teams were equally supportive and helpful to us.”
Fox added that the efforts of George Thomas and Gavin Manders were instrumental in strengthening Bermuda’s reputation on the international stage. “George and Gavin played key roles in building that relationship,” Fox remarked. “Only three countries were awarded, so we were very pleased to be one of them.”
Pride in Representing Bermuda’s Small but Mighty Population
Accepting the fair play award with pride, George Thomas expressed what the recognition meant for a small nation like Bermuda. “I was deeply honored to accept the fair play award on behalf of the entire Bermuda delegation,” he said. “Coming from a nation of just 63,000 people, we approached this World Cup with the belief that while we might be small in population, we could be mighty in spirit and sportsmanship.”
Thomas praised the team’s commitment to showcasing values central to pickleball – respect, camaraderie, and enjoyment of the game. He credited captains Gavin Manders and Mark Cordeiro for setting a tone of positive engagement and coach Danny Fox for providing invaluable support both on and off the court. Special recognition was given to Sasha Fisher, whose dedication elevated the team’s international presence. “Together, we’ve shown that pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a powerful tool for building lasting friendships and connections across borders,” Thomas added.
The Contagious Energy of the Bermuda Team
Manders, a former Davis Cup player, noted the positive impression the Bermuda team left in Peru. “We were one of the most beloved teams who competed hard but fair,’’ Manders shared. “We had some contagious energy with us that all teams wanted to be around us.” This camaraderie carried Bermuda through the intense matches as they navigated the tournament’s challenging rounds.
The Bermuda seniors team advanced to the quarterfinals, where they faced the United States, the third-seeded team and eventual winners. Cordeiro, Michael Way, Stuart Smith, Tori Powell, Thomas, Christine Todd, Sarah Fox, and Val Stevenson reached this stage by clinching a critical round-robin victory over Canada. Although their run ended with a loss to the United States, their performance underscored Bermuda’s growing strength in international pickleball.
Manders, along with teammates Benjamin Jones, Alvaro Triana, Fisher, Melisa Judd, and Imani Phillips, narrowly missed advancing further after a close 3-2 loss to the Cayman Islands. The journey to Lima was also a success for Bermuda’s medal haul in prior competitions, where they took home an impressive 15 medals, including seven gold, three silver, and five bronze. Up-and-coming stars Jaden Jones and Kai Manders proudly represented Bermuda’s juniors, signaling a bright future for the nation in the sport.
News in Brief: Bermuda Scores Fair Play Honor
Bermuda’s pickleball team was awarded the fair play honor at the Pickleball World Cup in Lima, Peru. Recognized for their sportsmanship and positive presence, Bermuda shared the accolade with New Zealand and Puerto Rico. Key figures like George Thomas and Gavin Manders played instrumental roles in fostering a supportive environment, helping their nation gain respect internationally. The seniors team reached the quarterfinals, where they ultimately fell to the United States. Bermuda, known for its dedicated players, left with medals and strong performances, underscoring the island’s impact on the sport.
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