|
Canada
Mexico
Venezuela
Germany
Cayman Islands
|
Freeport Bahamas Hosts 4th annual World Cup
Click HERE to return to the home page
A Canadian perspective, by Gordon Laverty…..
Our resort was a beautiful spot. The Royal Oasis Resort & Casino was nothing short of breathtaking. Featuring 3 pools, two large slides, a man made beach, 4 bars, a Casino, an amazing breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet (which I indulged to many times) and the most attractive whirlpool that I've ever had the privilege of pruning in. There were a number of things to do to keep the guests occupied. Dancing, karaoke, beach volleyball, gambling and happy hour were among some of these. Drinks, like the cab fare, were a little pricey, so thankfully there was a duty free liquor store within staggering distance of the hotel. I've never seen so many people carrying jugs of their favorite drink mixes in a hotel. Gotta love those Bahama Mama drinks!! (Pineapple juice, rum, coconut rum and grenadine are all you need for this new favorite of mine) Carrying your beverages in the streets wasn't a problem either, so transporting your budget induced mixes was an easy task. The only problem was the ice factor, but thankfully ice machines were in abundance almost every where you went. The fields of play were perfect for this function. They were all within walking distance from each other and were only a five minute, though a $30.00, cab ride from the hotel. The main field was quite nice as it featured a swimming pool, a bar, various food items, and a souvenir stand featuring those lovely Flag-Mag girls. It was also used as the location for the World Cup Ceremonies. The playing surfaces were nice and soft, and they also offered decent traction. No complaints from this player. The first two days featured the International competitors. Nine man contact for the men, and seven man for the woman. I was fortunate enough to split the quarterbacking duties with Andy Peterkin for team Canada. Nine man contact was virtually unknown to me prior to this event. It had been some time since I stepped in the pocket with offensive lineman. Playing touch football for the last number of years made me forget how much fun communicating with the "O" line can be. It took some time getting used to it, but once I was able to get a handle on the dynamics, I was really able to enjoy myself thoroughly. As a running quarterback, I drove my offensive line crazy in our first game. I'm sure that Big Kevin Dawkins can attest to that. However, once I paid attention to the instructions of my "O" line, and after some much needed advice from fellow QB Andy, we were able to work really well together, setting up blocks and huge hits. I really can't put into words how much fun playing those guys was. Kerry, Kev and Benoit, you guys were awesome! It was apparent from the onset that we, the U.S. and Mexico, were the teams with the most experience in this game. However, everyone else made great strides throughout the tournament, earning my utmost respect. I've no doubt that we'll see the competition in this category improve as the world cup wears on. Although we lost to Mexico in the semi finals, we played with a lot of heart and determination. Once we made a few adjustments on defense (speed wise) we were able to shut down the quick Mexican offence. Unfortunately, we weren't as successful on the offensive side of things. Though we were in the Mexican red zone on several occasions, we just weren't able to punch in a touchdown. On the last play of the game, one of the Mexican defenders made a spectacular one handed interception in the end zone, in what looked like a sure touchdown to Glen Cooper, which would have tied the game. For the record, Andy threw this game, not me....lol (jk). The Mexicans faced the talented American team in the finals, only to lose 28 to 7. The Flag-Mag site says that the U.S. dominated the Mexicans all game, but this spectator, along with everyone else, saw Mexico have two touchdowns called back because of penalty calls. The American quarterback can thank his lucky stars that he had Mayo, aka, Keyshaw Johnson, catching his long hopefuls down the sidelines. Mayo, or KJ as we called him, hauled in some fantastic catches, leaping over the hapless Mexican defenders. I'm not saying the U.S. didn't play well as they were clerly the better team, but it was the dirty play of KJ that made the real difference in this one. How he wasn't voted as the MVP of the world cup is beyond me??? No offence to Jim Wilson, the gritty utility player for the U.S that captured the honors, but KJ stole the show! Click HERE to see the World Cup MVP's Click image to enlarge
On the women side of things, our Team Canada ladies made us proud by making it to the finals. There they lost to the three time world cup Champion Team Mexico. Though our ladies fought hard until the last minute, they just couldn't handle the speed and innovation of the Mexican ladies. A few tweaks here and there and Canada could very well be hoisting the title next year. Well done ladies! Once the games of the second day were over, all of the participating countries were invited to partake in the World Cup ceremony. It took awhile to understand what was going on as we, the teams, made our way to the middle of the field. National flags were dispersed, as each team chose a flag bearer. We all lined up with our respective teams in front of the Freeport Rugby stadium. We were greeted by a delegation of Bahaman dignitaries. Among them were politicians and Olympic athletes, to name a few. Various speakers took turns welcoming us, saying how much they appreciated our visiting their country and at how proud they were to play host to the World Cup. Needless to say, we were greeted very warmly. An orchestra, with two young female singers, treated us to some music that meshed nicely with the unfolding events. It was at this point that I was blindsided by a wave of emotions. Tears started swelling in my eyes as I began to realize this precious moment. Here I was, some yahoo from Canada, surrounded by my brothers and sisters of my country and those from around the world, in the middle of some place that I've never heard of. Despite so much hatred and anger across the globe, all it took was a silly game of football to bring so many nations together. I've never felt more proud to be a Canadian, and to be a member of this human race. Someone told me that the ceremonies might be a little corny, I thought otherwise. The ceremonies presented an opportunity for us all to share in a common passion for football and sport. Sure we all play different variations of the game, but football is football. Disoriented, I followed everyone as we gathered for a group picture at mid field. Hundreds of opponents gathered together to celebrate camaraderie in this surreal showcase. This definitely goes down in history as one the most memorable moments in my life. I get choked up every time I look at the pictures, and or think about the moment.
The next two days featured some more variations of flag football. 4 man/women, 8 man contact, 7 man/women and 5 man youth. Canada sported 7teams across these categories. Team Ontario in the 7 man, Geants in the 4 women and 7 women, Fleurs De Lys and DawkSport Ladies in the 7 women, and for the 4 man category, we had the Obelix in the gold division, Dawksports.com in the silver division, and Team Ontario in the over 35 division. Not only did I get the chance to play QB/half back for team Canada in the 9 man, I was fortunate enough to be able to play half back for Team Ontario. With my father, Ed Laverty, playing QB, this venture was extra special for me. We don't get the opportunity to play together often, so it was great to be able to bring our Laverty connection to the international stage. As luck would have it, I was bitten by a sea urchin while swimming in the ocean after the first day of the seven man football. My foot swelled up as I rushed to the hospital for treatment. I wanted to do some rural exploring, but this wasn't what I had in mind. While my run in with the urchin ended my football exposure (the demurral was great!), team Ontario carried on. Our boys played hard making it all of the way to the finals. They met up with Elvis lives (Miami), one of the top ranked teams in America. They showed us that they were deserving of their billing, as they defeated us 34-0. The wind played a factor in this game, as did that damn sea Urchin. My dad is at his best went he and I are arguing on the field :) Rounding out the results for the rest of Canada's representatives; In the 4 women, The Geants from Quebec lost in the semi finals to the Florida Stingrays. They also played in the 7 women, losing to Mexico in the Semi finals. Also in the 7 women was the Fleurs De Lys (Quebec). They lost to Mexico in the quarter finals. DawkSport Ladies Lost To Mexico in their semi Finals. In the 4 man, the Obelix lost to Riptide (Miami) in the quarter finals. DawkSpoprts.com lost to the Cobras in the semi finals. There was a skirmish somewhere in the tournament for our Dawksport boys, though I'm sure that they had nothing to do with it?? Right??;) Team Ontario, in the 4man, wound being the only Canadian team to capture gold as they defeated the Providence R.I. Generals in the finals, 32 to 12. Well done fellas!!! and congratulations to all of our Canadian teams!!! Competing teams were offered two awards banquets, with the first one recognizing the first two days of football (sat night), and the second banquet recognizing the next two days (Sunday Night). Both awards nights paid respect to all of the team and individual award winners. At the first banquet we were presented with an incredible spread of various foods. Unfortunately, I stuffed my fat face at the hotel buffet again, so I wasn't able to enjoy the allotment. All of the international participants were presented with medals, which gave everyone a moment in the spotlight. As nice as it was for teams to receive medals and a plaque, better prizes to the big winners should have been in order. C'mon Jimbo, open that wallet. Better prizes will draw more teams. You'll get your money, only sometimes you have to pay more to get more. If we can dish out track suits in Ontario, you can do it at the World Cup brother!! A little more organization and a better contingency of officials would certainly have added a great deal, though I thought that Lee (head reff) did a fantastic job of explaining the rules and that you made the most with what you had, officiating wise. You are definitely on the right track with this World Cup thing Jim. The international flavor of this tournament is very sweet. I had so much fun sharing cultural drunkenness with my fellow earthlings. I will definitely be back for the 5th rendition of the World Cup and I will promote this tournament to anyone who will listen. England goes down as the best group of "trouser wearing", rum drinking, and song singing footballers in Freeport. So to Rob, J.P. and the rest of you blokes, I'll never forget you. Good lads you are!! My fellow Ontarians and I spent our last day with the fellas from the homeland (England). We played football on the beach, and drank ourselves silly back at the hotel. Singing on the bus was definitely a highlight. "Swing Low, sweet Chariot, comin' for to carry me home". The song brings a smile to my face every time I think about it.
Like all good things, this seven day adventure came to an end. Though I was glad to return home to my computer (my precious video games), I look back on this trip as one of the greatest times of my life. Spending time with Giz, Evraire (easy "E"), Dan (soloflex) Mann, Shipman (Mr. Miami), Adel, Hasen (H.M.), My man Nader, "V" Hill, Tommy Gun, Andy and Joan, dirty Freddy, Kerry, Glen, Mike, Good ol' Russ, Benoiot, the rest of the Team Canada boys (Big Mike and Kev noteably, put up your dukes!!), Sarah, Jenny and Frannie (any time I get hang out with you guys in bikinis is always a great thing!!) Isabelle & Audrey (more bikinis, tres bon), Ricky, the ladies from Canada (thanks for cheering us on while wearing the spandex, but I think that's why we lost to Mexico!), the ladies from Venezuela (could have used some more time with them..lol, ahh lovely Rita), the ladies from Mexico (number 27, I love you!!), the flagmag girls, Lisa, Nicole, Beth and the ladies from the U.S. (loved that hot tub) the Lads from England, Big bad Jim Zimolka, everyone else, and of course my dad, and not just cause he helped fund my trip!!!, all made this trip oh sooo memorable! I hope to see you all next year!!!
|
England
United States
Uruguay
Israel
France
|
%20and%20Giz%20small.jpg)
