TEAM USA AT VENEZUELAN OPEN RECAP

Paradise is a fitting word for the land with great beaches, beautiful women, amazing hospitality, and cheap beer… what more could a flag football player ask for? The members of Team USA were enjoying this little "heaven on earth" as they traveled to Valencia, Venezuela over Labor Day weekend for the Venezuelan Challenge. Most of the athletes found it difficult to leave this wonderful place. "This was the first country we have visited, where ALL the players wanted to stay a few extra days," said Team USA Captain Jim Zimolka.

At the request of Venezuelan IFFF member Miguel Riera, Team USA players stayed at the homes of the Venezuelan players. This was an excellent opportunity for the players to learn true culture of Venezuela. The Venezuelan's were extremely hospitable, as they opened their homes, transported Team USA everywhere, and even bought them food and beverage at nearly every place they went. All of the Team USA players were amazed at how inexpensive a trip to this picturesque foreign land turned out to be.

Team USA was greeted at the airport then transported to the town of Valencia. Once in Valencia, the team went to the Drink & Party bar, where the Venezuelans hosted a "Welcome Party" for the Americans. The next day, Team USA went "sightseeing" at a local shopping mall, where the men of Team USA were amazed by the number of beautiful women in this foreign land. "I can't believe how many attractive women are here," stated Team USA's Adam Desanctis. The team then went to the Universidad Tecnologica del Centro for a 4man clinic.

Following the clinic, everyone headed to the Dance Club - "SPOONERS". For the men of Team USA, it was a special treat, as the women-to-men ratio is 3-to-1, and every woman wants to dance with a gringo!!! The next day the games began around 1pm and ended around 9pm. A good crowd gathered at the Centro Cortuges Venezuelan field. Many spectators were there to watch the Americans play.

Team USA started off a little shaky not completing a pass in its first 3 downs. On the 4th down and 15 yards to go, Q.B. Jim Zimolka connected with Todd Jones on a 60-yard bomb to ease the tension for the American's. From there Team USA won 30-0 and rolled the rest of the tournament. Team USA defeated the Sables 40 - 0, and went 30-0 vs Atlas in the Championship Game of the double elimination 5 Team tournament. (The Venezuelan national team divided its players onto four different teams).

After the conclusion of the tournament, Team USA was taken to Morrocoy Beach. This is where Team USA performed a 4man clinic for the Venezuelan Women's National Team. The women created a great deal of interest from people at the beach and Team USA players had the "tough" task of teaching the game to these beautiful women. Once the clinic was performed, Team USA traveled back to Valencia to the D