‘More than sports:’ Pan-American Masters Games athletes, volunteers reflect on international friendships made

Posted by author July 19, 2024 Sports

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Few words are said between the tennis players competing in the Pan-American Masters Games in Cleveland this week, but not because of a lack of sportsmanship.

There is a language barrier between the athletes who have traveled around the world to compete in the games this week, but it has not stopped participants from cultivating relationships and cheering each other on.

Jose Aparicio traveled from El Salvador to take part in the games, which are an international multi-sport event that rotates throughout the world for athletes ages 30 and older.

Although 73-year-old Aparicio and 64-year-old Reddy Viteddi of Stow don’t understand everything the other is saying, they communicate with the whacks of their racquets, grunts with each hit and, ultimately, a fist bump when their match is finished.

Doug Wenger, sports chair for the tennis competition in the games, said the Pan-American games has become one of his favorite tournaments because of the community.

“We want to offer great competition, but we want more. We want people to have a good time,” the life-long tennis player said.

Wenger compared the games to the Olympics, which start next week, because it connects people across state lines and borders.

“Sports is just one part of the games,” he said. “It’s watching people from different backgrounds connect, share their stories, compete and even practice with each other that makes sports in a setting like this so special. You never know who you’re going to meet.”

Jill Hinkle-Dyer, 67, has paired up with Aparicio by coincidence. The Clevelander spotted Aparicio waiting for a Cleveland RTA bus on Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights earlier this week and was concerned he was lost.

“I had my volunteer shirt on, he had his uniform on and I just knew I needed to help him. I pulled over and told him and his friend, who was from Australia, to hop in my car and I would get them where they needed to go,” she said. “We’ve been using Google Translate to communicate mostly, but we’ve become fast friends.”

She ended up driving Aparicio to his competitions all week, cheering him on as he competed in tennis and track and field. She said she was able to give Aparicio a hometown experience.

“I’m taking him through all of the neighborhoods, the Cultural Gardens and we’re going to stop at the West Side Market last,” she said. “I’m a champion of Cleveland. I want him to leave and come back and bring friends.”

Which is what Aparicio said he plans to do. His favorite part of the Pan American Games have been the people, he said.

“Everyone has been very nice. I’ve been comfortable,” he said.

Aparicio said the competition this week has been fierce. He has been tired after competing in track and field and tennis. He has been an athlete his entire life, coaching gymnastics for more than 40 years. He said sports help him, especially since he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

He was extremely grateful to Hinkle-Dyer for her help and said he has had fun meeting athletes from Cleveland and countries such as India and Australia.

“It’s like music,” Hinkle-Dyer said. “When these athletes are on the tennis court, or in the swimming pool, or racing against each other, nothing else matters. It’s more than sports, it’s about humanity.”