Flag football enthusiasts braved the near 100-degree temperatures Saturday for the first-ever Flag Football World Championship Tour in Winter Haven.
- 225 teams participated in flag football championship
- Event held at Simmers-Young Park in Winter Haven
- Portion of the proceeds goes to helping veterans
The event was held at Simmers-Young Park.
Organizers said 225 teams participated, including men and women. There were about 3,000 players in all.
“The football games are fun. It’s just that they’re really fast paced,” said Matthew Martin, a player from Miami.
The competition started Friday and continues through Sunday. Two teams will take home $15,000 in prize money, according to Travis Burnett, the co-founder.
Burnett said he chose Winter Haven because of its facilities and close proximity to Orlando and all of its attractions.
The attractions are one of the reasons the Panama Marlins came all the way from Panama to participate. The team brought 46 players and spent nearly $100,000 to make the trip, according to Coach Michael Mirrop. Of course, a trip to Universal and Disney was included in the team’s itinerary.
“We're advancing, we’re seeing a lot of really good players, a lot of really good athletes and we’re happy to be here,” said Mirrop.
The weekend-long competition also featured an attempt to break the Guiness Book of World Records for the largest toy gun pistol fight. They didn't get quite the outcome they were hoping for, but for the kids and adults, the experience was well worth it.
“Man, I got tore up. These little six year olds are running around here like Army Rangers or something,” said John Furr, who participated in the toy gun fight with his kids.
A portion of the competition proceeds will benefit 22Kill and Honor, Courage and Commitment.
Honor, Courage and Commitment helps veterans re-enter the workforce and start their own businesses. 22Kill spreads awareness and tries to prevent suicides among vets.