XXII IRF World Championships in San Antonio – It’s Here!
by Karen Grisz, Mike Grisz, and Cheryl Kirk
USA Racquetball is excited to be the host of the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) XXII World Championships. From August 23-31, 90 athletes from 20 countries will be competing at the Thousand Oaks YMCA in San Antonio, Texas, for the title of World Champion. This marks the first time since 1996 that the World Championships will be hosted in the United States.
The final results of the Overall Combined Team Competition in San Antonio 2024 will be the main qualifying event, by country, for The World Games (TWG) Chengdu 2025. Once qualifying countries have earned their positions to participate in TWG 2025, they will each then field a team of one male and one female athlete to represent their country in singles and in mixed doubles next summer in China.
A concurrent fundraiser event hosted by Sudsy Monchik and Leo Vasquez will be offered August 28 and 29 at the YMCA. The Frank Hotels/KWM Gutterman Centurion Doubles Invitational is a unique fundraiser to assist USA Racquetball with event hosting expenses. Twelve centurion doubles teams will compete in a round robin format, and of this writing, two spots have come available! Thanks to Sudsy, Leo, and all the players. To see who will be hitting the courts, visit https://www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=42367.
USA Racquetball will gratefully accept donations to help cover the costs of the event. With a minimum $50 donation, you will receive the official commemorative pin of the IRF XXII World Racquetball Championships, you can donate HERE. Be sure to note in the comments that your donation is to support USA Racquetball as host country of the IRF World Championships, and please enter your mailing address to ensure your collector pin reaches you soon after the event.
If you’re thinking about making your way to San Antonio for the IRF World Championships and you’re one of those people who loves to pitch in and help, contact Jonathan Greenberg at jonathan@usaracquetball.com. Volunteers are the brightest stars in the sky!
If you can’t get to San Antonio, matches are projected to begin streaming on Saturday, August 24th on the IRF YouTube Channel and Facebook. And, for a special treat, plans are to livestream the IRF’s Opening Ceremonies, Friday, August 23rd at approximately 5:00 pm U.S. Central time. Witness the Parade of Nations LIVE!
Throughout the competition week, Team USA’s presence will be covered in the Daily Blogs at www.usaracquetball.com. We’ll make y’all feel like you’re right there with us!
Souvenir tournament shirts will be for sale in limited quantities at Worlds. If you know someone there in San Antonio, or if you know someone who is traveling there, have them pick one up for you!
P.S. Special recognition goes to Sandy Rios and her Local Organizing Committee. If you’ve ever been a tournament director, multiply that experience by 1,000 or so. Warm thanks also go to Gearbox, ProKennex, and Splathead for their support of this international event. Additional sponsors will be recognized and thanked as the tournament unfolds beginning August 24th.