A documentary highlighting the first ever American college football game on African soil featuring Drake University and the CONADEIP All-Stars from Mexico will air tonight on CBS Sports Network 7:00 PM ET.

The broadcast comes a week after the Drake University football program, whose players, coaches and staff participated in the life-changing event, celebrated winning a share of the 2011 Pioneer Football League Championship with a 7-1 mark.

A 37-14 home win over Dayton meant the Bulldogs claimed their fifth PFL title and first since the 2004 season and head coach CHRIS CREIGHTON paid tribute to the positive influence the game in Africa, the community service projects and the team effort to ascend to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro had on his team.

“Our trip to Tanzania had a major impact on our championship season,” said Creighton, whose team won its final four PFL contests and finished the campaign with an unblemished 4-0 home mark. “Last winter we adopted the theme ‘Tupande Kileleni’ – Swahili for ‘Let’s Climb to the Summit’ – and we have lived the theme this past year.

“We definitely became closer as a team as a result of our intense two weeks in Tanzania. We all grew as individuals and as a team as we were stretched in ways we had never before experienced. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro became a blueprint for our climb of the Pioneer Football League. In preparing for the climb and then actually climbing the mountain we learned six ‘climbing realities’ that we constantly referenced and relied on throughout our climb of the league this fall. The whole year has been an incredible journey and we are definitely blessed.”

CBS Sports Network, which is seen in more than 44 million homes and available to 98 million households, will air the documentary highlighting the experiences of Drake and their Mexican counterparts at 7pm tonight. For the full network schedule and to access the CBS Sports Network Channel Finder, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

In addition to witnessing the spectacle of American football being played before 20,000 curious spectators in Tanzania, the documentary showcases the service efforts of the student athletes working in orphanages, enjoying the amazing wildlife safaris on the TANAPA-managed national parks, and experiencing the climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro where 117 group members proudly hoisted the national flags of USA, Mexico and Tanzania.

Event organizer, Global Football President PATRICK STEENBERGE, said of the Drake success: “Some people were concerned that undertaking such a demanding visit to African might become a distraction, but Coach Creighton and I both believed from the beginning that this would serve to inspire his team. It is a credit to Coach and to his staff and players that they saw the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl as a means of inspiration that would give them an edge over opponents this season.”

The Kili Bowl event and one-hour documentary were produced by Global Football, with Steenberge as executive director, and Tim Brockman serving as director. Brockman has more than two decades of experience producing outdoor programs for various networks in the U.S. and overseas.

Since 1996 Global Football has created and produced American football games and events in 19 different nations around the world. When invited to do something spectacular in Tanzania, the challenge became a mission that resulted in an amazing sports, natural wonders, and public service event that changed the lives of each person involved, in many ways.

Global Football aims to stage a second Global Kilimanjaro Bowl in Tanzania in the summer of 2013 and is in the process of identifying teams from the United States and the international American football community to participate.

The Global Kilimanjaro Bowl Presenting Sponsor was TANAPA, the Tanzania National Parks Association, which carefully cares for and manages the Kilimanjaro National Park area, as well as the other 14 National Parks and 32 game reserves. The best known of these is The Serengeti, named in 2006 as the New Seventh Wonder of the World by USA Today. Also among these is Tarangire National Park; Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind; the Selous, the world’s largest game reserve; and Ruaha, now the largest National Park in Africa.

TAHA, the Tanzania Horticulture Association, which promotes and oversees the expansive flower and fruit production and export in Tanzania, provided fruit for both teams during their stay in the country, as well as decorating the Arusha Stadium with flowers and providing flower necklaces for the arrival reception when players and coaches land at JRO Airport.

The Arusha Hotel served as host for the Drake Bulldogs, media and game officials, while the Kibo Palace Hotel hosted the CONADEIP Mexico official party. Kilele Savane, Ltd of Arusha handled all local transport; safari coordination and the Kili climb operations, along with Nitoke Safaris.

Younger Optics supplied polarized Rx sunwear, equipped with Drivewear lenses that were part of the players, coaches and staff’s essential defense against blinding glare and harmful UV rays. For more information about Younger Optics and their other products, visit the company’s website at www.youngeroptics.com, or call (800) 877-5367.

About Global Football: Headed by President Patrick Steenberge, a former Notre Dame quarterback and high school All-American at Erie Cathedral Prep. During the past 14 years, Global Football has produced football games in 19 nations in North and Central American, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa. Working partners include NFL, NFL Super Bowl Host Committees, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Notre Dame, Penn State, Pop Warner, USA Football, and numerous Division III colleges as well as National Football Federations worldwide. www.globalfootball.com.
Patrick@GlobalFootball.com / 817-219-7274 / Twitter @GlobalSportsGuy.

About Drake University: Drake’s mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty, and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.

About the CONADEIP All-Stars: The team that will travel to Tanzania from Mexico will be an all-star roster of players selected from educational institutions within the CONADEIP Conference. The conference kicks off its inaugural football season in the fall of 2010, having restructured to provide a highly competitive schedule for the long-dominant private universities in Mexico. The eight schools within CONADEIP are Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus in Puebla, Santa Fe, Toluca, Monterrey, Estado de México and Ciudad de México and also Universidad de las Américas Puebla and Universidad Regiomontana.

For more information, please contact Global Football, Inc. of Granbury, Texas, President Patrick Steenberge: patrick@globalfootball.com. Tel: 817-219-7274

A documentary highlighting the first ever American college football game on African soil featuring Drake University and the CONADEIP All-Stars from Mexico will air on CBS Sports Network on Monday, November 21 (7:00 PM ET).

In addition to witnessing the spectacle of American football being played before 20,000 curious spectators in Tanzania, the documentary showcases the service efforts of the student athletes working in orphanages, enjoying the amazing wildlife safaris on the TANAPA-managed national parks, and experiencing the climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro where 117 group members proudly hoisted the national flags of USA, Mexico and Tanzania.

CBS Sports Network, which is seen in more than 44 million homes and available to 98 million households, will re-air the documentary a number of times.  For the full network schedule and to access the CBS Sports Network Channel Finder, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

“The story of this adventure will intrigue all who are attracted to football, travel, wild animals, natural beauty, Africa, and a refreshing spirit of service and teamwork among different peoples,” said Global Football President PATRICK STEENBERGE.

“We staged a great game of football, but the real story is the fact that a large group of Mexican university student athletes and an even bigger group from Drake University in America’s heartland made a commitment to go to Tanzania and have a huge impact on the people there.  As it turned out, the impact was immense for all involved!”

The Kili Bowl event and one-hour special were produced by Global Football, with Steenberge as executive director, and Tim Brockman serving as director.  Brockman has more than two decades of experience producing outdoor programs for various networks in the U.S. and overseas.

Since 1996 Global Football has created and produced American football games and events in 19 different nations around the world.  When invited to do something spectacular in Tanzania, the challenge became a mission that resulted in an amazing sports, natural wonders, and public service event that changed the lives of each person involved, in many ways.

Global Football aims to stage a second Global Kilimanjaro Bowl in Tanzania in the summer of 2013 and is in the process of identifying teams from the United States and the international American football community to participate.

The Global Kilimanjaro Bowl Presenting Sponsor was TANAPA, the Tanzania National Parks Association, which carefully cares for and manages the Kilimanjaro National Park area, as well as the other 14 National Parks and 32 game reserves. The best known of these is The Serengeti, named in 2006 as the New Seventh Wonder of the World by USA Today.  Also among these is Tarangire National Park; Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind; the Selous, the world’s largest game reserve; and Ruaha, now the largest National Park in Africa.

TAHA, the Tanzania Horticulture Association, which promotes and oversees the expansive flower and fruit production and export in Tanzania, provided fruit for both teams during their stay in the country, as well as decorating the Arusha Stadium with flowers and providing flower necklaces for the arrival reception when players and coaches land at JRO Airport.

The Arusha Hotel served as host for the Drake Bulldogs, media and game officials, while the Kibo Palace Hotel hosted the CONADEIP Mexico official party.  Kilele Savane, Ltd of Arusha handled all local transport; safari coordination and the Kili climb operations, along with Nitoke Safaris.

Younger Optics supplied polarized Rx sunwear, equipped with Drivewear lenses that were part of the players, coaches and staff’s essential defense against blinding glare and harmful UV rays. For more information about Younger Optics and their other products, visit the company’s website at www.youngeroptics.com, or call (800) 877-5367.

About Global Football: Headed by President Patrick Steenberge, a former Notre Dame quarterback and high school All-American at Erie Cathedral Prep.  During the past 14 years, Global Football has produced football games in 19 nations in North and Central American, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa.  Working partners include NFL, NFL Super Bowl Host Committees, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Notre Dame, Penn State, Pop Warner, USA Football, and numerous Division III colleges as well as National Football Federations worldwide.  www.globalfootball.com.  Patrick@GlobalFootball.com / 817-219-7274 / Twitter @GlobalSportsGuy.

Chris Fivek, a local high school referee, had recruited three fellow officials to come all the way to Arusha, Tanzania, and help stage the first American football game played on the continent of Africa.

But days from the kickoff, the field appeared far from ready. Shaggy grass. Ruts. No lines. No goal posts.

“And we thought, ‘No way,’ ” Jeff Holter said.

On game day, though, the referees returned to find a transformed turf. A man with a push mower better suited for a suburban backyard had trimmed the field, and the ruts were flattened. Lines stretched between sidelines. Freshly-welded posts stood.

Drake University and the CONADEIP All-Stars from Mexico could square off.

“It was amazing,” said Holter, 54, an educational consultant from Bellefonte. “They must have worked overnight.”

He and Fivek, joined by Mark Armstrong and Todd Desmond, then took the field for the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl, the brainchild of Global Football, a Texas-based organization that arranges international college football games.

During their visit earlier this summer, the referees also dodged traffic while touring the city, participated in youth football clinics, met a mob of schoolchildren and took a one-day safari.

“I never expected anything like that,” said Armstrong, 48, a surgeon who resides in Zion. “I truly felt honored to be a part of it.”

An adventure begins

A call to Fivek started the adventure.

Fivek, 58, works as a director at two Penn State colleges. He also referees at the Penn State Fantasy Football Camp, which Global Football organizes. One day this spring, his phone rang. It was Patrick Steenberge, a former Notre Dame quarterback from Erie and Global Football’s president.

“Chris, I’ve got an opportunity, an experience, of a lifetime,” he said.

Fivek listened to the enticing details. Global Football would cover all expenses except the flight. He would work with Bill LeMonnier, a collegiate referee who officiated the last NCAA national championship game.

He considered the offer for a few seconds.

“I think I said yes without even asking my wife,” Fivek said.

Steenberge needed three more referees to round out the seven-man crew. Fivek found them, all veteran local officials who had worked together for years. They scrambled to get ready — passports, visas, tickets. Armstrong gathered everyone for a day of vaccinations.

“It was just a rush,” said Desmond, 50, a Beech

Creek middle school teacher.

As Holter recalled: “I think all of us, when we were going through the (vaccination) procedures, thought, ‘What are we getting ourselves into?’ ”

Arriving in Arusha

They departed for the same flight in two limos, paid for out of their own pockets.

One was for them. The other contained five duffel bags full of tents. Global Football needed them for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb for the teams. So to save money for the organization, the referees hauled extra luggage.

On the hour drive into Arusha from the airport, they glimpsed Tanzania’s poverty firsthand — or, rather, didn’t. Scant electricity makes for dark nights.

“As you passed towns, you could see buildings, but just small little candlelights, no street lights,” Holter said.

Another difference: Armed guards patrolled their hotel and escorted them elsewhere. They also protected fields where players held two days of football clinics.

Before long, nobody noticed them. Both teams were too busy watching excited children run pass routes and dance through agility drills.

As fun as that was, the referees had a memorable encounter with local students all to themselves.

The crew, including officials from Mexico and Poland, was returning from a clinic when the driver took a side street near several schools. Passing by a gaggle of kids in class uniforms, the referees decided to stop and chat.

Quickly, the gaggle turned into a crowd.

More smiling children magically appeared as the officials passed out candy. They shook hands. They tried to give high-fives but ran into a problem.

“They had no idea what we were trying to do,” Armstrong said.

A quick demonstration of the concept unleashed a torrent of palms before a local man intervened and the referees could break away.

“All seven of us were out there doing high-fives,” Fivek said.

During the safari, however, everybody stayed in the cars.

A huge herd of elephants, a tree full of baboons and lions, among other wildlife, discouraged venturing across the savannah. Encountering zebras, the referees felt underdressed — if only they had worn their striped jerseys to meet their African cousins.

Calling the game

Seeing the big game was exciting. Officiating the big game — a penalty-filled affair — was a challenge.

LeMonnier had prepared them well for their first college game. They were ready for the quicker action — and the stadium’s limitations. Since it lacked a scoreboard with a clock, the referees kept the time and downs, informing teams as best they could.

“I was on the Mexican sideline, so there was a bit of a language barrier, but we worked through that,” Desmond said.

A wireless microphone for announcing penalties broke soon after kickoff, but the crowd of 12,000 sitting in the hot sun on concrete tiers and plastic chairs didn’t care. Children enjoyed free footballs and T-shirts. Though much on the field was a mystery, cheers erupted from the stands.

“It was the first time I’ve been to a game where there wasn’t any booing, because they didn’t know what was going on,” Fivek said.

He also had never dashed down a field at such an altitude, about 5,000 feet.

“By the end of the third quarter, I was sucking wind,” he said.

After Drake’s 17-7 victory and a festive banquet, the teams stayed for a service project at an orphanage and their mountain climb. The referees left, having already had a week’s worth of highlights — anarchic city motorists, swarming street vendors, pointers from LeMonnier in hotel bull sessions and, on their last day, unlikely milkshakes in an Arusha cafe.

Some day, they’ll have a film of themselves as a souvenir. A one-hour documentary about the game reportedly is in the works. But until then, they can replay memories of their hosts’ hospitality and their contributions to a historic event.

“It really was a trip of a lifetime,” Holter said. “It turned out to be everything we hoped for, and then some.”

Read more: http://www.centredaily.com/2011/07/27/2858927/men-take-game-to-tanzania.html#ixzz1UMO8Ak2T

What we all accomplished, as a team, was really historic and life-altering for the 195 Kili Bowl members. The young men, coaches, administrators, family members and friends came from Mexico and the USA to showcase a new sport to Africa, but much more to teach the children how to play, to share some of our blessings with them, to entertain those who came to Arusha Stadium, to serve through the work at area orphanages, to learn about a unique and special culture and land, and to summit to Africa’s Rooftop. At the same time it is our belief that the people of Tanzania, of all ages, were left a little bit better for having welcomed us to their land.

The true ‘Team Effort’ that it took to make this whole project possible was simply amazing, inspirational, and can be educational to others in the future. The story behind the story is something that I plan to share with many other leaders of organizations, corporations, sports teams, governments and friends. Just think of all the people it took, on all levels, of many ages, of such varied backgrounds, from 3 different nations, to plan, organize, produce, execute, and ultimately enjoy all the aspects and elements of this event! Think of how many people you know personally who had an effect on the project, and those who were affected by it. Consider how much time, effort and energy you personally put into this, simply because you believed it to be a worthy cause; because you enjoyed being part of this Team.

Personally I am gratified to have played the role of ‘quarterback’ among this team, simply working to get all the folks involved headed toward our goal, to assist everyone’s focus, to keep the energies flowing, and to be able to work with such amazingly motivated, talented and positive persons. And you are one of those—Asante sana for all you did.

When we chose the slogan for the event, Tupande Kileleni, as our motto, it meant much more than just climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It meant to climb to the summit in each and every task we undertook along the road of the Kili Bowl. To achieve greatness when teaching the children, when building and painting the schools, when sharing our time, when going on safari! When we came down from Kilimanjaro one month ago, I learned the term, Tumefika Kileleni, we have reached the summit.

We had reached the top of Africa, and along the way had achieved a great deal that we can all be proud of the rest of our lives. Let’s keep moving in that same direction, teammates forever!

Patrick Steenberge

A week after playing the first ever game of college American football on the African continent, more than 100 players, coaches and staff from Drake University, the CONADEIP All-Stars (Mexico) and Global Football scaled the summit of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

The Drake Bulldogs won the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl, presented by TANAPA, with a 17-7 fourth quarter comeback in front of 11,781 curious but enthusiastic Tanzania spectators at the Sheik Amri Abedi Memorial Stadium on May 21.

Now the participants have also stood at the highest point in Africa at 19,340 feet after a five-day expedition dubbed ‘Tupande Kileleni’ – ‘Lets Climb to the Summit’ – and two-day descent.

“We have achieved so much during our time here in Africa, with service projects to benefit the local community in Moshi, and have made history on the football field, but this is the most spectacular highlight,” said Global Football President PATRICK STEENBERGE. “This is an experience that those who have climbed will never forget.

“It was a wonderful and humbling moment when the two groups met at the summit and we realized a dream conceived two years ago to bring American football to Tanzania and to then give the players and coaches a truly memorable experience. It was worth every grueling step on old volcanic rock and scree.”

The CONADEIP All-Stars group from Mexico climbed via the Machame route on the western slope and met the Drake University party who had traveled on the Rongai route on the northeast side of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The climbers converged on Africa’s rooftop at dawn on Sunday after the final leg of a climb that lasted between six and nine hours. Headlamps lit the parade of players, coaches, staff, guides and porters, that had started at 11 pm on the Rongai and Machame routes and came to a spectacular conclusion when the sun peeked over Mawenzi, the second highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The climbers gathered at Uhuru Peak (freedom peak) for photos, with Mount Meru to the west and massive glaciers all round. The Tanzanian guides received well-earned hugs of appreciation from the climbers and as the celebrations continued, CONADEIP head coach Juan Carlos Maya and assistant Carmelo Ramirez fought through the barrier of pain and fatigue to become the final two members of the party to meet on top of Africa.

The children of Drake Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb, Tristan and Skyelar, aged 9 and 12, became two of the youngest-ever climbers of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Global Kilimanjaro Bowl Presenting Sponsor TANAPA, the Tanzania National Parks Association carefully cares for and manages the Kilimanjaro National Park area, as well as the other 14 National Parks and 32 game reserves. The best known of these is The Serengeti, named in 2006 as the New Seventh Wonder of the World by USA Today. Also among these is the world acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater; Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind; the Selous, the world’s largest game reserve; and Ruaha, now the largest National Park in Africa.

The opportunity to support the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl through it’s position as Presenting Sponsor will provide TANAPA with broad media coverage around the world, as the uniqueness of this event will certainly attract vast attention.

TAHA, the Tanzania Horticulture Association, which promotes and oversees the expansive flower and fruit production and export in Tanzania, provided fruit for both teams during their stay in the country, as well as decorating the Arusha Stadium with flowers and providing flower necklaces for the arrival reception when players and coaches land at JRO Airport.

The Arusha Hotel served as host for the Drake Bulldogs, media and game officials, while the Kibo Palace Hotel hosted the CONADEIP Mexico official party. Kilele Savane, Ltd of Arusha handled all local transport; safari coordination and the Kili climb operations.

Younger Optics supplied polarized Rx sunwear, equipped with Drivewear lenses that were part of the players, coaches and staff’s essential defense against blinding glare and harmful UV rays. For more information about Younger Optics and their other products, visit the company’s website at www.youngeroptics.com, or call (800) 877-5367.

Drake won the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl, presented by TANAPA, with a 17-7 fourth quarter comeback in front of 11,781 curious but enthusiastic Tanzania spectators at the Sheik Amri Abedi Memorial Stadium.

Freshman quarterback Nick Ens took his first snaps under center for the Bulldogs when thrust into a battle in which Drake trailed 7-3 going in the fourth quarter having lost both starting quarterback Mike Piatkowski and his replacement Tyler Castro to injury. Ens completed 5 of 12 pass attempts for 50 yards, the most telling to wide receiver Joey Orlando for an 18-yard gain and an eight-yard touchdown on the game’s pivotal drive in the third quarter.

“We knew all three quarterbacks were going to play so I was excited when we started and Mike and Tyler were doing well,” said Ens. “I didn’t expect to play that much, really the whole of the second half, but I enjoyed it.

“I think the drive where we scored was a big for us. We had great protection up front and the running game had allowed us to pass so it was a great team effort.”

The Bulldogs defense, which had been bruised by 124 yards and a touchdown earned on the ground by CONADEIP running back Jose Reyes, also played a major part in the victory, holding their Mexican opponent on three downs at the goal line to remain in the game.

“I’m so proud of you guys, each and every one of you, on so many levels,” an emotional head coach Chris Creighton told the Bulldogs afterwards. “This is so much bigger than a football game and it was phenomenal. Do not let this moment and what we just did slip away from you.”

Watched by the American Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso Lenhardt, the nation’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Lazaro Nyalandu and a procession of dignitaries, the truly unique spectacle featured Masai tribesmen entertaining the crowd where cheerleaders would have danced in an American stadium.

Drake opened with a steady drive that started at their own 20-yard mark, aided by a littering of unsportsmanlike conduct flags, but when Piatkowski threw to the corner of the end zone he was intercepted by Carlos Garcia.

Both teams traded possessions before CONADEIP punted and were penalized again, giving Drake the ball 13 yards from the end zone. The offense failed to click and Bulldogs kicker Billy Janssen earned the honor of kicking the first points ever in a game of college football on African soil with a 27-yard field goal.

A promising Mexican drive ended frustratingly with a botched snap on a field goal attempt and when the All-Stars threatened in a defensive battle of a second quarter, Travis Merritt stripped the ball from quarterback Jose Ortiz’s hands and Robby Unger recovered to avert the danger.

Having replaced Piatkowski, Castro was leveled just before Drake took a slim 3-0 lead into half time so the Bulldogs emerged with Ens, who was redshirted in 2010 under center. CONADEIP took advantage of an uncertain Drake offense as their second quarterback Dwein Garcia fired a 49-yard pass to Ivan Piña to light up the game and delight the crowd. Three plays later to open the fourth quarter, Reyes went in from five yards out to steal a 7-3 lead.

Drake needed a spark and it came when Ens found his poise and fired a pass over the middle to Orlando for an 18-yard gain and with confidence in his receiver, the young quarterback again went to Orlando, this time in the corner of the end zone from 11 yards out.

“The whole team felt like it was swinging in the wrong direction and we weren’t getting things right and a play needed to be made,” explained Orlando. “We ran that same play earlier when we were down there in the first quarter and I didn’t run it right, so I knew it was my chance when that play was called and I did things a little differently and it worked out for us.”

Ens was quick to heap praise on his receiver, adding: “Joey helps me out so much in practice and he is a big target for me and he got open and made it easy for me.”

Having seen the offense regain the lead at 10-7, the defense stepped up. The irrepressible Reyes charged 37 yards down the left sideline and was tripped only two yards short of pay dirt, giving CONADEIP the belief they could take control of the contest. But the Bulldogs defense produced a determined goal line stand and celebrated when on fourth down another muffed snap denied the Mexicans a chance to tie the game.

“That stance really helped keep the momentum going after we had just scored,” said linebacker Moorehead who led the team with six tackles. “The offense got the crowd going on the sideline and I don’t know if they knew why they were making noise at that point in the game, but it certainly helped. It was an important stop.”

The momentum was with Drake and when a fumble turned the ball over at the CONADEIP 17-yard mark, they pounded out yardage before Ens and Derek Temple connected for a crucial gain on third down. With seven yards between Drake and victory, linebacker Patrick Cashmore was introduced as a battering ram fullback and he took the ball in for a 17-7 lead as the reliable Janssen had tagged on the extra point.

On the first play of a comeback attempt CONADEIP were forced to go to the air and Matt Buckley came up with an instant interception, allowing the Bulldogs to kill the clock and emerge victorious.

“This game was the realization of a dream of many people and we are humbled to have not only brought a football game to Africa, but also to have created friendships that will last a lifetime,” said event producer and President of Global Football Patrick Steenberge.

“In sport their has to be one team that loses, but today every single person in this stadium was a winner, I have no doubt about that.”

The game featured a halftime show of touch football by groups of local youngsters as 500 Arusha schoolchildren took part in a display organized by Tanzania Irie.

The spectacular Kili Bowl event also includes a three-day service project to benefit area orphanages organized by IRIS and Stemm, which runs from Sunday through Tuesday. Both teams will then climb the imposing 19,341 feet high Mount Kilimanjaro before returning to Mexico and the United States on June 1.

Global Kilimanjaro Bowl Presenting Sponsor TANAPA, the Tanzania National Parks Association, carefully cares for and manages the Kilimanjaro National Park area, as well as the other 14 National Parks and 32 game reserves. The best known of these is The Serengeti, named in 2006 as the New Seventh Wonder of the World by USA Today. Also among these is the world acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater; Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind; the Selous, the world’s largest game reserve; and Ruaha, now the largest National Park in Africa.

The opportunity to support the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl through it’s position as Presenting Sponsor will provide TANAPA with broad media coverage around the world, as the uniqueness of this event will certainly attract vast attention.

TAHA, the Tanzania Horticulture Association, which promotes and oversees the expansive flower and fruit production and export in Tanzania, is providing fruit for both teams during their stay in the country, as well as decorating the Arusha Stadium with flowers and providing flower necklaces for the arrival reception when players and coaches land at JRO Airport.

The Arusha Hotel will serve as host for the Drake Bulldogs, media and game officials, while the Kibo Palace Hotel is hosting the CONADEIP Mexico official party. Kilele Savane, Ltd of Arusha is handling all local transport; safari coordination and the Kili climb operations.

Younger Optics will supply polarized Rx sunwear, equipped with Drivewear lenses that will be part of the players, coaches and staff’s essential defense against blinding glare and harmful UV rays. For more information about Younger Optics and their other products, visit the company’s website at www.youngeroptics.com, or call (800) 877-5367.

The Kitaa Orphanage service project will be coordinated through the efforts of the Iowa Resources for International Service (IRIS) and Stemm as the student athletes from both teams, numbering 110 in total, will spend three days (May 22-24) working at local private orphanage to improve their facilities.

Iowa Resource for International Service is a nonprofit, non-religious organization founded in 1993 and located in Ames, Iowa. Its mission is to promote international understanding, diversity and peace. Through several grant programs, IRIS brings students, journalists, business people, educators and government leaders to Iowa from Africa, Central and Eastern Europe 
and Asia.

Stemm was specifically created to develop a relational bridge between Siouxland and Tanzania by addressing the priorities of spiritual growth, medical care, and educational opportunities.  In building this relationship, the overwhelming AIDS orphan crisis was one that could not be ignored and today is also an integral part of the STtemm ministry. Since inception, Stemm groups have traveled to Tanzania on a semi-annual basis – January and July each year.

On Saturday they will meet on the gridiron – the first ever to be etched onto the African continent for a game of college American football – to get down to the business of playing the sport they love. But for all concerned with the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl, the visit to East Africa and the opportunity to introduce the sport to a curious public has become their priority.

“You have made an impact in our nation and we are relieved that now we can say ‘we have done it’ when the game kicks off,” said Colonel (retired) Iddi Kipingu, Chairman of the Tanzania National Sports Council told the players of both teams.

“We have many sports here in Tanzania, but this is completely new to us and we thank you for bringing American football to our country and to the young people whose lives you have touched with your coaching clinics. Your visit will go down in history and you will be remembered here forever.”

The unique game organized by Global Football takes place at the Sheik Amri Abedi Memorial Stadium (capacity 20,000) in Arusha, kickoff 1pm local time (6am U.S. ET) and will be broadcast live across the African continent and beamed to countries around the world by ITV, the largest private TV network in Tanzania.

The spectacular Kili Bowl event also includes a three-day service project to benefit area orphanages organized by IRIS and Stemm, and features both teams also climbing the imposing 19,341 feet high Mount Kilimanjaro.

Game Notes:

Game: Global Kilimanjaro Bowl presented by TANAPA
Teams: Drake University vs. CONADEIP All-Stars
Venue: Sheik Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium (20,000)
City: Arusha, Tanzania
Kickoff: 1pm (US ET +7 hours)
Date: Saturday, May 21
TV: ITV Tanzania, live
Broadcast: Mike Carlson play by play, Reggie Brooks, color analyst
Website: www.KiliBowl.com
Social media: www.Facebook.com/GlobalKiliBowl
Twitter: @GlobalSportsGuy
Producer: Patrick Steenberge, Global Football

The match up…

The Drake University Bulldogs compete in the Pioneer Football League, a subdivision of NCAA Division I football. Fans watch the Bulldogs’ home games at Drake Stadium, a 14,557-seat venue on Drake’s campus. The University’s athletics program serves as a national leader in presenting a progressive model for intercollegiate sport in higher education. In 2010 the Bulldogs posted a 8-3 record.

The CONADEIP All-Stars are a select group of student-athletes from eight Mexican institutions of higher learning: Universidad de las Américas Puebla; Universidad Regiomontana; and Tecnológico de Monterrey campuses in Puebla, Santa Fe, Toluca, Monterrey, Estado de México and Ciudad de México. Founded in 1977, the National Commission Collegiate Athletics of Private Institutions (CONADEIP) — is composed of 128 private schools and universities settled throughout 16 states in Mexico.

CONADEIP added American football to its list of conference sports in 2010, with eight teams participating in the newly formed Premier League. Participation is expected to increase to 20 teams next year. Prior to 2010, CONADEIP’s eight inaugural football teams participated in the National Student Organization of American Football (ONEFA). Tec de Monterrey’s campus in Monterrey dominated that league with five consecutive championships from 2004 to 2008.

Series…

This will be the first meeting between the two teams… the game will be Drake’s first against Mexican opposition… CONADEIP is 1-1 against American opposition having beaten Team Stars & Stripes 24-12 in the inaugural Tazon de Estrellas in 2009 and lost 48-7 in 2010.

Presented by TANAPA…

TANAPA, the Tanzania National Parks Association, is the Presenting Sponsor of the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl. TANAPA carefully cares for and manages the Kilimanjaro National Park area, as well as the other 14 National Parks and 32 game reserves. The best known of these is The Serengeti, named in 2006 as the New Seventh Wonder of the World by USA Today. Also among these is the world acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater; Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind; the Selous, the world’s largest game reserve; and Ruaha, now the largest National Park in Africa.

Quotable, Event Producer Patrick Steenberge, President of Global Football…

“We are doing something very special and historical, something that will impact the lives of the college student athletes from Mexico and the U.S. who are here in Tanzania to compete, to live out an adventure, and to serve. They are turn impacting the lives of thousands of youngsters in Tanzania, now and in the future. In addition, we will bring a dynamic team sport to Africa, known as American football. So I say to you the most common word in Swahili, ‘Karibu’, or Welcome. Please join us as we strive to always climb to the summit. Tupande Kileleni.”

The coaches…

Drake University Head Coach Chris Creighton, who ranks fourth among all active NCAA Division III football coaches in career winning percentage, was named the 25th head football coach at Drake University on Dec. 22, 2007.  Creighton served as head coach at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind., from 2001-07 where he constructed a 63-15 record with teams winning four North Coast Athletic Conference championships, while competing in three NCAA Division III playoffs.

CONADEIP All-Stars Head Coach Juan Carlos Maya is the head coach of Tec de Monterrey in Toluca and has been in charge of the Borregos program for five years, making the postseason playoffs the past three seasons. Coach Maya oversees an extensive development program that features football players as young as six-years-old, through to the age when they graduate from the university. He served as head coach of the CONADEIP All-Stars team that played against Team Stars & Stripes in the 2010 Tazon de Estrellas game.

Quotable, Chris Creighton, head coach Drake University…

“Everyone involved in the Drake football program is ecstatic about the opportunity to participate in the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl. For most of us, the Kili Bowl will be the first time we have played an American football game against a team from another country. For all of us, it is a first to play on the continent of Africa! Though our time in Tanzania is about a lot more than a football game, we are thrilled to get to play the game we love, with our friends in Mexico, in front of thousands of Tanzanians who may never have seen it before.

“We understand how fortunate we are to be part of this historic event and are forever grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make it possible. We hope that everyone who witnesses this game will thoroughly enjoy it and retain the larger lessons forever! Go Bulldogs!”

Quotable, CONADEIP All-Stars Head Coach Juan Carlos Maya…

“We are very excited about all the good things that are happening around the Killi Bowl and it offers us a great opportunity to show the quality of our athletes in the sport, and to show the world that each of us only needs to put its grain of sand to make a better world. The players families are very excited about the Bowl and their sons going to Tanzania to represent their school and their country. To put into words how we feel being in this country right now is hard to do. These are wonderful people in Tanzania and our hearts will remain here forever.”

Calling the game…

Veteran broadcaster Mike Carlson will provide the play-by-play in English, accompanied a Swahili translator and former Notre Dame running back Reggie Brooks. A native of Connecticut in the United States, Carlson has broadcast NFL coverage and Super Bowls to a UK audience on BBC, Channel 5, Channel 4 and Sky Sports and boasts a cult following in his adopted home country. He also commentates on Europsport’s coverage of the Arena Football League.

Brooks played under former Irish head coach Lou Holtz from 1989-92 and earned second-team All-America status and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting after a stellar senior campaign in 1992. He remains quite visible throughout the Notre Dame record books as his career average of 7.6 yards per rush is still a school record, while his 1,372 yards rushing in ’92 rank third-best in single-season school history. He played four seasons in the National Football League, predominantly in Washington (1993-95), after the Redskins selected him in the second round of the ’93 NFL Draft (45th overall pick).

A three-hour live broadcast of the Kili Bowl will be linked via satellite live across East and Central Africa as well as much of Europe, Asia and Australia.

Quotable Carlson…

“I am delighted to be helping to spread the appeal of American football across Africa. For many years I have explained the game to audiences new to the sport, so look forward to helping those watching for the first time to understand the play on the field.

“This is certain to be an intriguing and exciting game and I look forward to being part of a unique multi-lingual broadcast.   It will be the first time my words have ever been translated into Swahili and I’m hoping we will be able to entertain this diverse audience in both languages.”

By the numbers…

7 – Mini footballs that were carried by each player from the United States and Mexico to be used at the event football clinics and in a halftime sow featuring the sport’s newest fans.
7 – Officials who will control the game having traveled from USA, Mexico and Poland.
10 – Airports with paved runways in Tanzania, out of 124 total airports.
11 – Service projects that will benefit when the players form both teams volunteer their time to build, pain and refurbish on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
19 – Countries in which organizer Global Football has hosted football events.
120 – FIFAF world soccer ranking of Tanzania (USA is 22nd).
122 – Kilograms of avocado, watermelon and oranges supplied to players and youth attending the coaching clinics.
345 – Hotel nights booked in Arusha by lobal football during service projects.
468 – Hotel nights booked in Arusha by Global Football during week of game.
700 – Total number of staff handling transportation, safari, mountain climb and logistics under Frank Mella and Kilele Savane, Ltd.
8,397 – Miles from Drake University to Arusha.
1,000 – local youngsters who have caught and passed an American football for the first time this week through clinics held by Global Football and Tanzania Irie.
19,341 – Feet to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
500,000 – Dollars raised to fund the visit to Tanzania by the Drake University football players.
600,000 – Dollars – the median household income in Tanzania.
945,000 – Square miles Tanzania land mass (slightly larger than Texas).
42,000,000 – Approximate population of Tanzania.

Officials

Bill LeMonnier will officiate the Kilimanjaro Bowl. A veteran of 14 college football bowl games, including seven BCS games, LeMonnier took charge of the BCS National Championship Game on January 10 in Glendale, AZ, as Auburn defeated Oregon 22-19.

Officials for the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl
Referee Bill LeMonnier USA
Umpire Chris Fivek USA
Head Linesman Todd Desmond USA
Line Judge Mark Armstrong USA
Side Judge Jeff Holter USA
Back Judge Mario Matos Mexico
Field Judge Alex Zarganis Poland

Quotable LeMonnier…

“I am excited and honored to be adding Tanzania to the list of countries where I have officiated and more importantly am pleased to be a part of continued efforts by Global Football to spread the appeal of American football around the world. We have put together an experienced group of officials to take charge of this unique game and look forward to taking the field alongside the Drake University Bulldogs and CONADEIP All-Stars in Arusha. It will be a very special experience for everyone involved and of course a great spectacle for the local people of Tanzania who come along to watch.”

On Saturday, May 21, the Drake Bulldogs and CONADEIP All Stars from Mexico will have traveled across the globe to meet on the field the at the Sheik Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium in Arusha, Tanzania in the historic Global Kilimanjaro Bowl.

While they are focused on playing the first ever game of college American football on the continent of Africa, they all are equally excited to visit two of Tanzania’s National Parks while in the country.

Nearly a third of all the land in Tanzania is protected by the government, serving as the major tourist attractions and primary source of revenue for the nation. Each year some 45,000 visitors trek up the slopes toward Africa’s Rooftop, the 19,341-feet tall Mount Kilimanjaro. While only about half that number arrives at the actual summit, they each experience an amazing hike through various vegetation zones, animal habitat, and topography. The vistas of the surrounding savannahs, stretching out in all directions from the lower slopes, are some of the most impressive to be found anywhere.

TANAPA, the Tanzania National Parks Association, carefully cares for and manages the Kilimanjaro National Park area, as well as the other 14 National Parks and 32 game reserves. The best known of these is The Serengeti, named in 2006 as the New Seventh Wonder of the World by USA Today. Also among these is the world acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater; Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind; the Selous, the world’s largest game reserve; and Ruaha, now the largest National Park in Africa.

The opportunity to support the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl through it’s position as Presenting Sponsor will provide TANAPA with broad media coverage around the world, as the uniqueness of this event will certainly attract vast attention.

Executive Director Alan Kijazi commented, “We are excited to welcome this new sport to Tanzania, and to have these young men from the USA and Mexico visit our unique national parks, and to climb the wonder that is Mount Kilimanjaro. They will certainly tell many others of the beauty and special quality of our land and its wildlife. Karibu to all our visitors.”

During their two-week visit to Tanzania, the student athletes, staff and family supporters will each get to spend a day in Tarangire National Park, just 90 minutes south of Arusha, which will host the teams and is the traditional base for most safaris in the country. Tarangire boasts all the wildlife that can be seen in the more famous Serengeti, including teeming herds of elephants and giraffe, lions, baboons, various types of antelope, hyena, wildebeest, and scores of other amazing animals.

While most of the players will be climbing Kilimanjaro, a group of family members will take time to visit a number of parks, including Ngorongoro and Serengeti, plus Lake Mayanara and Tarangire, staying in uniquely appointed guest lodges and traveling in specialized safari vehicles than enable them to take photos and travel in comfort.