The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and its partner, the National Football League (NFL), joined forces for an event celebrating an historic
Against the iconic backdrop of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, IFAF President Pierre Trochet and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell underlined a shared commitment to working closely with LA28 and IOC partners to deliver a spectacular showcase of flag football when it makes its debut. Chairman of LA28, Casey Wasserman, who was also in attendance, expressed his belief that flag football will electrify the Games when they arrive in Los Angeles.
Photo: Associated Press
IFAF President Pierre Trochet,
“We are thrilled to be in the French capital, to enjoy the Paris 2024 Games, and to celebrate what has been a historic year for our sport and the global American football family.
“Flag football is fast, fun, creative, played by outstanding athletes and I know it’s going to light up LA28. Importantly, IFAF and the NFL share a commitment to strengthening the presence of American football in the Olympic movement over the long term and while we are not getting ahead of ourselves, it is our intention, at the right moment, to put forward a proposal for Brisbane 2032.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, said:
“As one of the fastest growing sports in the world, flag football makes a powerful impact on the lives of girls and boys everywhere. Flag football’s inclusion at LA28 will be a historic moment for the game, and we look forward to supporting our partners IFAF in their journey to LA and beyond.”
Photo: Associated Press
The event also featured a panel hosted by NBC’s Melissa Stark with Stephanie Kwok, VP NFL Head of Flag Football, Mona Stevens, Global Flag Football Ambassador and G
Osi Umenyiora, two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, NFL Africa lead and Global Flag Ambassador, said:
“Flag is easily accessible, diverse and inclusive – everybody can play this game. The development and growth of flag football around the world is an exciting way to give more young athletes around the world the opportunity to play the game.”
Photo: Associated Press
Mona Stevens, Global Flag Ambassador and German female flag football QB, said:
“For every athlete in the world the Olympic Games is the ultimate goal and Olympic inclusion is a true game changer, especially for women and girls. IFAF and the NFL are pushing flag football to the next level and now we have the chance to tell the world how amazing our sport is, what it stands for and where it can take you.”
Following the event at Team USA House, representatives from IFAF and the NFL attended La Terrasse des Jeux at the Hôtel de Ville for a flag football activation which invited young people of Paris to try out the sport.