World Challenge VII to cap Flag Football Tourney; Sponsorship Still Available

BY KONK Life News Staff

Plans continue to unfold for the 23rd annual International Women’s Flag Football Association tournament, the Kelly McGillis Classic, set for Jan. 20-27 in Key West.

“Our biggest game will be our World Challenge VII Game, which is our USA all stars against our International All Stars,” said Diane Beruldsen, IWFFA founder and president. “This will be closely watched this year, because the record is USA 3, International 3 — so one of these groups will take the lead after this game, which is the last game of our long tournament weekend. We are still looking for a sponsor for the World Challenge Game and offer substantial name recognition; the event is titled after their company.”

While sponsorship of the Challenge VII Game is still available, Beruldsen reported considerable support from Key West locals and businesses, for which she is very grateful. Also invaluable is this year’s “fantastic” assistant director, Lena Johansson of Sweden.

Obviously, an immense amount of work goes into producing an international tournament with several teams and a week chock full of public and social events, such as the opening night parade, in addition to practice and competition. “I do this tournament for many reasons,” said Beruldsen, “but one reason which is new and became apparent to me was last year, at our 22nd KMC, when I saw local women play who had started out with us when they were 9 or 10 years old. It was a revelation to me and I was proud that our event helped to develop female flag football in Key West. Not only that, but the level of athleticism, because they started playing at a young age, is very high.”

The athletic mentoring continues. “This year, we will have numerous local teams in the women’s division and numerous girls’ teams as well. It is proof that we planted the seed for female flag football, which is what our organization is all about,” said Beruldsen.

“IWFFA started something very fun — individual women who want to play in the tournament can do so on our Fairvilla Loose Women’s Team. This tourney is an opportunity for girls and women of all ages and all skill levels, whether you have a team or not, to compete in a division appropriate to your experience,” she said, adding “We still need sponsors, known as ‘Team Owners,’ for the girls’ division to subsidize uniforms and other expenses.”

IFFA may be reached at 305-897-4567. For the entire tournament schedule, which in addition to clinics and competitions includes a parade, parties, a costume contest and more, visit  http://www.iwffa.com/KW2014calendarofevents.html.

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