The real reason behind the seemingly overloaded van was the load of unwrapped toys in the back.  One toy is required from each participant in Dallas Badminton's Children First Tournament.  Dallas has held this tournament for the past seven years now benefiting the kids at Texas Scottish Rite Children's Hospital.  It is held in December so the toys will be delivered just in time for the Christmas holidays.

	One "A" and one "B" player are paired up to form a doubles team.  In most cases, this means the adult is the A players and the junior is the B player.  But sometimes both are adults or both are juniors, and in some instances the junior is the A player and the B player is the adult.  As always, the Alamo Badminton Members outnumbered the other juniors in Texas. ABC was repre-
sented by twelve of the most dedicated juniors of the club, who all but one played as "B" players.  Coach Michael Gamez also played in the tournament with a junior player from Dallas.  On the tournament, he commented, "It was a great experience for the juniors to play with higher caliber players.  It gave them a chance to not only see better badminton players, but to play with and against them.  It's extremely impressive that the 'A' players can step down and have fun with the less experienced players.  Many times this type of play is just the fuel that some juniors need to try harder and play better."

Indeed, it takes selfless "A" players, committed coaches, and remarkable tournament directors to see to the success of this sort of event.  Evan and Jane used the "BCDE Dropflight" system to ensure that everyone got plenty of playing time.  The system worked so effectively that many of the participants were able to compete in the finals in the various categories.  Prizes for 1st and 2nd in each flight included chocolate for the juniors and wine for the adults.  Assistant Coach Rita Gamez received a bottle of wine for being the best badminton fan at the tournament.

This trip was a first-time tournament for three juniors in the club: Gabriel, Matthew, and Angel.  Gabriel Gaitan (left) and Matthew Gaitan (middle) have an older brother Ralph who plays.  Practice after practice they try and beat him, but have still come up short.  After competing against better players they realize that Ralph is not too intimidating.  Taking their brother down is at the top of their list for the New Year.  Of course, Ralph guarantees it will never happen.  On the right is a picture of Angel, one of the newer members of ABC.  It is not common for beginners to travel out of town with the club. However, Angel has shown tremendous dedication uncharacteristic to a newcomer who is forced to compete against more advanced kids.  He displayed quite an impressive game for having less than five months experience.

The twins, accustomed to playing together, played with exceptionally talented "A" players.  Both Sergio (left) and Xavier (right) were commended for their badminton games and went home with tips and suggestions from their partners.  By their uncannily similar facial expressions, it is obvious these two are related. :)

Our only high-school-aged boy, Fernando Funakoshi (left) continues to display desire and improvement.  This tournament was no exception.  Being one of the stronger "B" players at the tournament, he held his own ground when it came to Kong's smashes.  Kong is a great "A" player who puts a tremendous amount of energy (and sound) into his kills.  Although he couldn't return all of them, he returned several and perhaps next year he can play the charity tournament as a "half A/half B" player.  ABC was represented by such a player.  Jesse Perez (middle) played a couple of years ago but slowly became involved with school, work, and personal stuff.  Now, no longer a junior, he returned to the sport shortly after a car accident to get some exercise.  He says he has a new commitment to the sport and this time he plans to stick around.  His hiatus left him a little rusty but his heart is still in the game as he hustles for every shot.  Thien (right) is our other player who recently left the junior bracket.  This coming semester is his last one with the club as he will be taking a job in Dallas.  For now, he is another player who left the sport and made a return a year ago. He played as an "A" player with a junior from Dallas and played well as a doubles team.

Making sure they're limber and ready, Victoria and Lynda (above)stretch prior to their matches.  They were matched up with excellent "A" players.  Both showed skill and determination during every game.

Amy Felan (right) was paired up with Imam, one of the best guy players in Texas.  Amy, who compared to the other girls in the club is still new to the sport, is increasing her strength and sometimes is able to beat some of the more experienced girls.  She wants to be able to beat them with more regularity but her game is coming along just fine.

		Many of the players had to play each other.  Ruth Menchaca (left) and Tina-Rose Cavasos (bottom) faced each other in the finals of the B round.  This game was extremely grueling as the the match went to three games with Tina and her partner finally taking the match.  Ruth, still a junior, played as the "A" player.  She comes to this tournament  with a carefree and fun attitude, but she finished the tournament determined to win.  No trophy at stake, she just didn't want to lose to one of the kids she coaches.  But when it was over she shook Tina's hand and told her to enjoy the victory while it lasted because it won't happen again, doubles or not.
	Coach Michael Gamez (left) played with a junior "B" player from Dallas.  His partner was a beginner and Mike was glad to play with him and offer him some tips.  It was also clear that Mike enjoyed playing against his kids, picking on their weak spots, adding to their pressure.  Also, many of the kids smiled quite smugly when their team would score on his.