Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Every May, just when it seems the high season is winding down, hot and heavy sporting events fire up competitive spirits at the Puerto Vallarta International Sports Classic. Offering a weekend full of fun for all ages, this year's Sports Classic will take place from May 16-18, 2014. Based at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center, events will be held at the sports stadium, the municipal gym, and every available soccer field in Puerto Vallarta.

Now in it's 25th year, the International Sports Classic brings teams from all over North and South America, including national teams and retired professional athletes, to compete in a variety of sporting events, along with Banderas Bay area athletes and school children.

The brainchild of former Olympic basketball champion, Howard Kelsey, the International Sports Classic is a popular Puerto Vallarta sporting event with competitions and exhibition games that range from basketball and a 5k run to the Copa Vallarta children's soccer tournament games.

XXV International Sports Classic Events

• Basketball - Some of our best local teams with the participation of national professional athletes and active and retired NBA players. This year brings back the children category (12-13 year olds) and, for the first time in the Sports Classic's history, there will be a women's division. In years past, the final game of the tournament has pitted a Mexican team against an all-star team of former Olympic and professional athletes from the U.S. and Canada. Between youth teams, masters and veterans, 20+ teams are expected to participate. Games will be played at the Municipal Stadium from Friday, May 16th to Sunday the 18th. The semifinals will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 2 pm and the finals on Sunday, 18th at 4 pm in the AFC municipal gym.

• Copa Vallarta Soccer: One of the most important amateur soccer events in Mexico. Both males and females from 6 to 18 years of age will be competing in multiple categories at various venues around the city from May 14-18, 2014. 120 teams are expected to participate, with the kids utilizing every available soccer field in Vallarta every day from 8 am to 8 pm. More info.

• 5K Run - Approximately 300 participants are expected to run the race at the Municipal Stadium. Time and date TBA.

Additional Events

• Media Conference: Thursday, May 15, 11:15 am, Hotel Sheraton (Club Buganvilias entrance)

• VIP Welcome Cocktail: Friday, May 16th, 7:15 pm, Hotel Sheraton (by invitation only)

• Free Seminar: Saturday, May 17th, 4:30-7:00 pm, Centro de Convenciones H Sheraton Buganvilias Oportunidades de Estudiar en Canada ("Opportunities to Study in Canada") presented by the Canadian Consulate in Guadalajara. Seating is limited; reserve your place before May 12th by emailing ghara(at)international.gc.ca

• Event VIP Party: Saturday, May 17th, 10 pm, Club Mandala (by invitation only)

• Copa Vallarta Awards Ceremony: Sunday, May 18th, 1:30 pm, Hotel Holiday Inn

• Basketball Awards Ceremony: Sunday, May 18th, 6:30 pm, Gimnasio Municipal AFC

The XXV International Sports Classic is possible thanks to the support of our sponsors, CND + Canada Basketball Alumni Association + Nuvestak; with the participation of the Puerto Vallarta City Council, Association of Hotels and Motels, and Tourism Board.

But the most important participation is that of the people of Vallarta. Everyone is invited to come out and watch the games. Admission to all sporting events is free.

For more information, contact XXV Sports Classic Coordinator, Lic. Veronica Alarcon Franco at veroalarcon2009(at)gmail.com.