Teams of women and girls from around the world will converge on Key West for adrenaline-packed sporting events and activities Jan. 22-29, during the 27th annual Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girls’ Flag Football Championship.
Actress Kelly McGillis participates in a practice session for a previous Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girls’ Flag Football Championship in Key West. (Photo by Bert Budde, Florida Keys News Bureau)
While visiting the Florida Keys, it’s not uncommon to spot a celebrity or two. In fact, over the years we’ve had some very famous residents. The event was named for (and endorsed by) one of those former Key West locals: critically acclaimed actress Kelly McGillis, who starred in “Top Gun” and “Witness,” and used to own a Whitehead Street restaurant with her then-husband.
Can you believe it’s been 31 years since “Top Gun” premiered and Tom Cruise was still on my “hottie list?” (Sorry, I got a little “out-of-bounds” there; back to football.)
I spoke recently with Diane Beruldsen, president and founder of the International Women’s Flag Football Association that presents the tournament, and asked her what was new and exciting for this year’s event.
Diane reported, “I’m thrilled that this year’s event will include our first International Women’s Flag Football Conference, with guest speakers and international board, on Wednesday, Jan. 24.”
The conference’s keynote speaker will be Ms. Kif Augustine-Adams, a law professor who has taught feminist legal theory for almost 20 years. She’s also the oldest flag football player on Brigham Young University’s “A Lot” women’s faculty team (which is also the name of their faculty parking lot — too funny). I got a kick out of their team motto, too: “good parking always wins.”
I’m really impressed with the geographic diversity of this year’s competitors. More than two dozen teams from across the United States, Mexico, Central America, Sweden, India and Egypt are expected to participate (wow).
The tournament brings together players ranging from 9 years old to seniors — who compete in multiple divisions, develop their skills during flag football clinics and enjoy camaraderie during watersports excursions and social events. (I just hope I can still be that active when I reach my senior years.)
Following three days of clinics and Key West activities for players, opening ceremonies will take place from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25.
Teams of women and girls from the U.S. and many other countries are scheduled to participate in the 2018 tournament.
As you probably know from my past blogs, Key West loves its parades. So in true Key West fashion, Kelly’s Players Parade will kick off just after the ceremonies — and each year it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
The tournament teams take center stage, proceeding down famed Duval Street dressed in team uniforms or costumes. They carry their country or state flags or team banners in the lively procession, which also includes floats and marching bands.
To cap the day’s attractions, there’s an official registration party scheduled at 8 p.m. at Mangoes (700 Duval St.).
Then let the games begin — at 9 a.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Wicker Field Sports Complex on Kennedy Drive. The competition concludes Sunday in playoffs and the World Challenge Game.
Be sure to check out the awards ceremony on Sunday night at the Turtle Kraals Restaurant & Bar. The popular eatery is located at 231 Margaret St. in the Key West Historic Seaport and has some fantastic food and libations.
And if you’re like me (always looking for something fun to do that doesn’t break the bank), you’ll be happy to hear that viewing of all games and activities — including clinics on how to play and officiate flag football — is open to the public free of charge.
Want to know more about this empowering “classic” event for women and girls? Just click here.
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