By Mayor William Healy
On May 8, downtown merchants and visitors alike are cordially invited to attend a flag-raising ceremony that will mark the beginning of a two-month long celebration known as the Junior World Championships of American Football (JWC). The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. in the south end of Central Plaza and is free and open to the public.
At this event, representatives from the countries of France, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Mexico, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States will raise their nation’s flags in the heart of the tournament’s host city. These flags will fly until a champion is crowned on July 5.
Football teams from around the world have been competing over the past year (or longer) to qualify for this firstof- its-kind championship tournament. Comprised of football players ages 16-19, this contest will give ultimate high school football bragging rights to the national team that can edge out all competitors and ultimately be crowned World Champion.
Held at Fawcett Stadium, the JWC will allow players, families, and visitors from around the world to enjoy local food, shopping, and culture. Like the Pro Football HOF Enshrinement Festival, this tournament has the potential to give our area a much-needed economic boost. We hope that area businesses will also benefit from this influx of visitors, and look forward to potentially hosting this event again in four years.
The Junior World Championships will take place June 27 through July 5. For more information, including how to buy tickets, log on to www.jwcfootball. com
