Tennis players signing up for Fourth of July meet
Tournament organizer David Perry said the Lyle Pearson Fourth of July Tennis Championships at Sun Valley Resort are fast approaching.
Perry invites players to sign up early for the three-day holiday meet scheduled for Saturday through Monday, July 3-5.
"It has the biggest purse in the state and a fantastic player's party," Perry said.
Also sponsoring the tournament are Sturtevants Mountain Outfitters and Atkinsons' Market.
Sanctioned by the Idaho district, Intermountain section of the U.S. Tennis Association, the tournament will feature sanctioned Open division play.
Contestants can enter three events, and two matches are guaranteed for all entrants. Unsanctioned divisions are 3.5 to 5.0 for men and women, plus 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 for mixed.
Based on a 16-player draw, Men's Open offers an estimated prize list of $400 for the singles champion, $200 for finalists and $100 for semi-finalists.
Fees are $40 per player for the first event, and $30 for the second and third events. All participants receive complimentary Sun Valley Ice Show tickets. The player's party is Saturday, July 3 at 6 p.m.
Entry deadline is Tuesday, June 29 at 11:59 p.m. The draw will be posted June 30.
For information e-mail Perry at info@desertrenter.com or call him at 877-799-4377. You can also sign up online on the tournament site at tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/Schedule/Search.aspx and typing in the tournament ID, which this year is 257408510.
Swimming for Special Olympics
Sun Valley Special Olympics swim team athletes, coaches and volunteers are teaming up with Wood River Valley law enforcement officers for a "Swim Fun Raiser". The event is set for today, June 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Blaine County Aquatic Center in Hailey.
The goal is to have an officer from each jurisdiction team up with Special Olympics athletes in a fun relay format. Officers, athletes, coaches and volunteers collect pledges in support of their efforts. Fans are encouraged fans to show their support for the dedicated local athletes who represent the valley in statewide competitions like bowling, Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing and swimming.
Organizers said 100% of the money raised will be used by the Sun Valley Adaptive Sports Special Olympics swim team to offset equipment and travel expenses associated with attending competitions. Questions, call Shauna Smith at SVAS 726-9298 ext.116 or Mike Crawford at the Sun Valley Police Department, 622-5345.
Cyclists will take off on Sawtooth Century ride
The Sawtooth Century Bicycle Tour returns to Ketchum and Sun Valley Saturday, June 26. The Blaine County Recreation District, with contributions of local sponsors, is producing the Sawtooth Century.
The BCRD Sawtooth Century is a fully supported one-day tour offering both half and full century (50- and 100-mile) routes and the return of the popular "King and Queen of the Mountain" competition.
Both ride distances start in downtown Ketchum at The Elephant's Perch and pass through Elkhorn and Sun Valley before heading north.
Half-century (50-mile) riders will proceed to the turnaround at Galena Lodge or have the option to turn around at Galena Summit. Full-century riders will continue up and over Galena summit en route to the turnaround at Alturas Lake.
"King and Queen of the Mountain" competition will recognize the fastest male and female racers on the six-mile climb up the south side of Galena Summit.
The tour finishes at the Sun Valley Festival Field, offering riders a chance to enjoy the music at the inaugural Sun Valley Rhythm & Ride festival.
A portion of proceeds from the BCRD Sawtooth Century Tour will go to the Wood River Bike Coalition. Entry is $75. You can register at sportsbaseonline.com.
The fee includes Sawtooth Century commemorative cycling socks, water bottle, reusable shopping bag and full aid station support and refreshments.
La Alianza volleyball
La Alianza Multicultural Center is hosting a beach volleyball tournament on Saturday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The adult coed event will take place at the Blaine County Aquatic Center in Hailey. To register, call Ruby at 727-8738 or 450-9317. Details are available at 578-5408.
Gear up for Jug Mountain mountain bike race
Wild Rockies organizer Darren Lightfield is trying to lure Wood River Valley mountain bikers to McCall this weekend for the Jug Mountain event. Visit wildrockiesracing.com. The race takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 26-27.
Lightfield said, "Our mountain bike cross-country race course is using the same 10.5-mile loop that we used last year. It starts and finishes at the clubhouse. This course has some super fun singletrack and two-track sections, as well as some gnarly, short climbs and descents.
"All marathon cross-country bike riders start at 10 a.m., no catagorizing, just one big Open class, be prepared for four laps of 42 miles. The next race starts at 11 a.m., with 12-under Trailblazers going one mini lap and Beginners riding one big 10.5-mile loop, Cat. 2 Sports one and one-half and Cat. 1 Experts/Pros two laps.
Stick around Sunday and compete or cheer on the trail runners as they tackle the same course for 10.5 or 21 miles.
