Welcome to the 13th Annual   "Kelly McGillis Classic

 International Women's & Girls Flag Football Championship(The Largest in the world)

February 3 - 9 th, 2004 / Key West, FL USA

           Introducing: Chrissy Gephardt -

our Guest Celebrity / Grand Marshall / Loose Woman and.............

During the '04 Democratic Presidential Candidate Debates, there were two front runners, tied for first, prior to the Iowa Caucus: Representative Richard Gephardt and Governor Howard Dean. One of these two candidates were suppose take the Iowa Caucus.

There was something special about Gephardt, in that he had a daughter who was campaigning for his ticket who recently came out as a lesbian.

In the political world, this could cost many votes with biased voters, and for the organization of the IWFFA, this exemplifies the essence of what we stand for. Women standing up for who they are and what they believe in no matter if it is popular or not. This takes guts, and so, we wanted to ask Chrissy if she would be involved in our special event. We invited her to be our Grand Marshall, and if she liked, to also play as a "Loose Woman". She accepted! and her presence represented a much higher goal for women's and girls flag football. It represented a way for females to bond, using our sport as a vehicle to create a unity amongst all females in this world.

 

 Here is Chrissy, Diane with Host Julio Avael on Local Television show: Point to Point

 Chrissy Gephardt Coctail Party

You are cordially invited to a non-cash, free cocktail party (at least until the beverages and finger sandwiches run out) hosted by George Maurer and his partners at the courtyard Recreation Room at Atlantic Blvd. Key West, on Wednesday evening, February 4, from 9:00 PM, until!!!

Maurer is hosting same mainly in his capacity as Chair of the Lower Keys & Key West Democratic Club, to honor Ms. Gephardt and her dad, Richard.

Dick Gephardt has served with great distinction in Congress for nearly 30 years, many of them as Democratic leader in the US House of Representatives, Until recently, of course, he was a candidate for the 2004 nomination to be the candidate for President of the United States.

Chrissy Gephardt is Dick's middle child, between her older brother Matt (a recovered cancer survivor) and her younger sister Kate, Chrissy is a Washington DC, graduate social worker whose work emphasizes female victims of trauma and abuse, as well as females suffering from mental illness.

Ms. Gephardt discovered that she is, and came out as a lesbian in 2000, and she now lives in Washington with her graduate school classmate and partner Amy Loder. For the latter part of 2003, Chrissy actively worked in her dad's presidential campaign.

Chrissy is here in Key West, now, primarily at the invitation of the International Women's Flag Football Association and Diane Beruldsen, and to participate in the Flag Football events.

Please join with us Wednesday evening at Atlantic Blvd. Key West to honor Dick Gephardt, his family and his courageous daughter Chrissy Gephardt.

                

 Here is Chrissy as our Grand Marshall in our Player's Parade

 

 Our Mission Statement:

The International Women's Flag Football Association's (IWFFA) mission is to provide the opportunity for young girls and women, regardless of their race, nationality, economic status, sexual orientation, aids, or age, to enjoy healthy competition, develop teamwork skills, learn fair play and sportship; to promote the educational process by remaining in good academic standing in school, increase the vastness of learning through increased understanding of the game and its theory' to promote good health through the physical play of the game; and to enhance leadership skills, build self-esteem and confidence through game-making decisions, play calling and execution, and by following the rules and regulations of the game.

 

Chrissy Gephardt and Diane Beruldsen signing autographs during the 13th annual Kelly McGillis Classic

 Chrissy not only made TV, political and social appearances for the benefit of our event, she played as a "Loose Woman", joining a team of women who never practiced together. Some of these women had never played flag football at all, and Chrissy played the LINE! both offensive and defensive (tough positions).

During our awards, Chrissy also gave out almost all the awards, and shook every players hand who participated in our tournament.

 

"When women are labeled, it is only a ploy to divert where the real attention lies.

The IWFFA will stand up for any group of females and not be fooled by labels. "- Diane Beruldsen / President, Founder IWFFA

 

Chrissy's presence made a strong statement and brought a wonderful energy into our largest women's flag football tournament.

May she serve as an example to those of us who may reconsider their voice or action because of a society that may not favor or condone their thoughts and feelings.

No Guts No Glory! 

We thank Chrissy Gephardt, Kelly McGillis, Kate Clinton and other women who stand up for the benefit of other women and what the IWFFA stands for.