2019 IWFFA Women's Flag Football Tournament A Tremendous Success

KEY WEST, Fla. - Feb. 20, 2019 - PRLog -- The International Women's Flag Football Association (IWFFA) just wrapped up its annual women's flag football tournament. IWFFA introduces girls and women around the world to the fun and competition, as well as the heightened confidence, that comes from playing flag football on a team. The highlight of the year for IWFFA is the annual Kelly McGillis Classic, a week-long tournament held in Key West, Florida, that draws teams from all over the world to compete.

This year's tournament saw teams from throughout the United States as well as women from India, Egypt, Pakistan, El Salvador, and Sweden participate in the week-long tournament. Teams are divided into four categories: girls, juniors, women's lower, and women's higher. After a hard-fought series of games, HOB won the girls' division, Key Largo came in first place in the junior division, First Order won the women's lower division, and the women's higher division winner was St. Louis.

Diane Beruldsen, the founder of IWFFA, sees value in flag football for all women but particularly for the girls:

I was so proud of the eight girls' flag football teams who competed. Some of the players were as young as seven. The message we try to teach them is that in flag football, as well as in life, you can't always control if you win or lose, but you should always give your best effort. The girls develop tremendous leadership skills and sometimes even coach themselves, learning team work on the field to transfer into their communities!

In addition to the flag football competitions, IWFFA hosted the 2nd International Women's Flag Football Conference. Fantastic speakers inspired the women to strive for excellence and positivity. Legendary actress Kelly McGillis hosted monologue clinics for women interested in the performing arts. There was lots of time for relaxing as well—the tournament is known for casual, fun games including an annual arm-wrestling competition at Irish Kevin's, a local pub.

An event like this would not be possible without the generous time and donations given by the local community. Mayor Teri Johnston welcomed participants at the start of the tournament, and members of the military generously gave of their time as volunteers. Local businesses supported the tournament with supplies and donations. Some of the sponsors were the Doubletree Resort, Key West Historic Inns, the Alexander's Guesthouse, Irish Kevin's, Turtle Kraals, Half Shell Raw Bar, and Fat Tuesday.

IWFFA's Diane Beruldsen explained the purpose of the IWFFA:

The mission of the IWFFA is to provide an opportunity for all females regardless of race, nationality, age, skill level, economic status, religion, or sexual orientation to enjoy healthy competition, have fun, develop teamwork skills, learn fair play, good sportsship, create new teams and unify exiting teams and leagues to help grow and organize the sport. The Kelly McGillis Classic is our signature event, but the rest of the year is dedicated to traveling the world to empower women and girls through flag football. This summer, the IWFFA will introduce the sport to new countries in Asia, expanding the growth of women's flag football, unity, and women's empowerment.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Stephanie Carnes at stephanie@lmc.group or visit http://www.iwffa.com.