Three Sonoran Athletes Compete in 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam
The Heart of Pickleball in Latin America: San Carlos Pickleball Club Supports Three Sonoran Athletes on Their Journey to the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam
San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico — August 2026
With a vision of building the Capital and Heart of Pickleball in Latin America, San Carlos Pickleball Club AC (SCPC) continues to establish itself as one of Mexico’s leading sports and community-driven projects.
Today, SCPC features 14 world-class pickleball courts, including two championship courts, making it the largest pickleball club in the state of Sonora.
Beyond its facilities, SCPC has built a vibrant international community of players from Mexico, the United States, Canada, and many other countries, promoting sports tourism, friendship, and the continued growth of pickleball throughout the region.
That commitment to developing the sport is now reflected in one of its proudest achievements: three athletes from San Carlos and Guaymas have earned the opportunity to represent Mexico at the 2026 Heineken Pickleball World Cup, taking place August 30 through September 6 in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Belém García, Mariana Fortes, and Balam García secured their places on Team Mexico after excelling in the national qualifying process, becoming a source of pride for Sonora and the entire SCPC community.
Belém García and Mariana Fortes have served as San Carlos Pickleball Club ambassadors for several years and have previously represented Mexico in international tournaments held in the United States and Canada with the club’s support.
This year, SCPC expanded its athlete development program to include Balam García, another outstanding athlete from San Carlos and Guaymas, further strengthening its commitment to developing local talent.
A Vision Beyond Competition
San Carlos Pickleball Club’s vision is to become the most impactful pickleball club in Latin America, recognized for its commitment to the community, its diverse and inclusive culture, excellence in event organization, and player development.
Every decision is guided by four core pillars:
– Creating a positive impact in the community.
– Fostering an inclusive environment for people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
– Delivering exceptional sports and social experiences.
– Promoting pickleball while positioning San Carlos as a world-class sports destination.
Its mission is clear:
To grow the sport of pickleball by building a vibrant, inclusive, and community-driven club that delivers exceptional experiences, promotes healthy living, and serves as a model for positive impact throughout Mexico and Latin America.
Supporting Athletes and the Community
As part of this mission, SCPC operates an ongoing athlete support program for local players with national and international potential.
Through this program, Belém García and Mariana Fortes previously represented Mexico in international competitions in the United States and Canada. This year, that support has been extended to Balam García.
To help make this journey possible, SCPC launched a community fundraising campaign and will host the MEX I CAN Charity Tournament on Saturday, August 8, at the club.
This community initiative aims to raise funds to help cover the athletes’ travel expenses to Asia while continuing to strengthen the San Carlos Pickleball Club’s facilities for the benefit of the entire community.
In addition to the funds raised during the tournament, the club will make direct financial contributions and continue promoting various initiatives to help make it possible for these three athletes from Sonora to represent Mexico on the international stage.
One of these initiatives is an international fundraising campaign in which every dollar donated will be matched by the Association’s President, with the goal of raising USD $6,000 to help Belém García, Mariana Fortes, and Balam García represent Mexico during their tour of Asia.
Community Impact
SCPC’s commitment extends far beyond competition.
The club provides free pickleball instruction to children from underserved communities and children’s homes while also donating portable courts and equipment to public schools, helping introduce the sport to new generations.
For San Carlos Pickleball Club, success is measured not only by championships but by its ability to transform lives, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations through sport.
The participation of Belém, Mariana, and Balam represents a historic milestone for pickleball in Sonora and demonstrates what can be achieved when an entire community comes together to support its athletes.
San Carlos Pickleball Club invites everyone to support the MEX I CAN campaign and cheer on these three outstanding athletes as they proudly represent San Carlos, Guaymas, Sonora, and Mexico in Vietnam.