Women’s Flag Football Tournament Attracts International Competition

Key West, Florida – For the past week in Key West, the International Women’s Flag Football Association has hosted teams and enthusiasts of the sport from across the globe in the 26th Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girls Flag Football Championship & World Challenge Game.

Association president Diane Beruldsen’s efforts over the past year to build relationships with Latin American women’s teams have been particularly successful.

Tournament teams from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras are just a few of the teams that have traveled to Key West to compete.

In conjunction with the tournament itself, IWFFA has also been educating women on officiating so they can take the sport back to their home countries and spread their enthusiasm.

The organization’s website states its mission as “to provide an opportunity for all females regardless of race, nationality, age, skill level, economic status or sexual orientation to enjoy healthy competition, have fun, develop teamwork skills, learn fair play, good sportship, create new teams and unify exciting teams and leagues to help grow and organize the sport.”

Flag football hasn’t been the only thing on the agenda. Social events and games of other kinds have been taking place at Key West venues. Señor Frog’s opened the week hosting a version of “The Newlywed Game”. Local women’s group Girls’ Night Out held a fundraiser mixer at The Marker on Tuesday night benefiting IWFFA, followed by an arm wrestle contest hosted by Irish Kevin’s. Shanna Key got in on the action Wednesday night with a friendly improv contest called “So You Think You Can Act”.

Then on Thursday world famous swimmer Diana Nyad was the keynote speaker at LaTeDa for the opening ceremonies, followed by a parade of flag football teams with Nyad as Grand Marshal. The Smokin’ Tuna Saloon hosted a registration party that night, as it often does for local events.

Friday through Monday will see more events sponsored by Fairvilla, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium, Angelina’s Pizzeria, Moped Hospital, Roostica and Turtle Kraals.

On January 19th, IWFFA saw the City of Key West proclaim January 28th to be International Women’s Flag Football Association Day. The proclamation was sponsored by District II Commissioner Sam Kaufman and presented by Mayor of Key West Craig Cates.

The games continue through Sunday, January 29th at the Wicker Field Complex on Flagler Ave between 14th St. and Kennedy Blvd.

For more information on the 2017 Kelly McGillis Classic International Women and Girls’ Flag Football Championship, visit www.iwffa.com. For additional details, phone Beruldsen at (305) 896-8678 or email [email protected].

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Contact: Diane Beruldsen (305) 896-8678.