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 5-7.

In 1990, former Olympic basketball player Howard Kelsey started a humble tournament in Puerto Vallarta for his friends who wanted to visit, just six teams playing on an outdoor court. "A lot of my friends are basketball junkies. They phoned and said, 'We want to go to Mexico for our vacation, but we want to play. Set up a tournament.' So we did. At the time, Vallarta didn't even have an indoor gym," he explained. "They have a gym now. It may not be air-conditioned, but it beats playing in the blazing sun," he added.

Over the years, sponsors have come in, other sports have joined in, and more and more international and professional athletes have been coming to Puerto Vallarta every May to participate in a series of fun and friendly sports competitions.

Featuring competitions and exhibition games that have ranged from basketball, softball and children's soccer tournaments, 5k fun runs and aerobics marathons, and tennis and beach volleyball tournaments, the International Sports Classic is now one of the most popular annual sporting events in Puerto Vallarta.

From May 5-7 2017, the International Sports Classic will be celebrating its 28th year of bringing teams from all over North and South America to Puerto Vallarta to compete against Banderas Bay area athletes and school children in a series of competitions, including the Copa Vallarta children's soccer tournament, which is one of the most important amateur soccer events in Mexico.

Though this year's schedule has not yet been released, we can tell you that the XXVIII Sports Classic will be based at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center, and that events will be held at the municipal stadium, the municipal gym, and every available soccer field in Puerto Vallarta.

Along with promoting sports, the International Sports Classic makes for an unforgettable time with friends, family, and athletes from Mexico, the US, and Canada. Everyone is invited to come out and watch the games. Admission to all sporting events is free.

For more information, contact Puerto Vallarta International Sports Classic Coordinator, Lic. Veronica Alarcon Franco at veroalarcon2009(at)gmail.com, or follow SportClassicPtoVallarta on Facebook.