Keesler Air Force Base to host Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) Women’s’ Soccer
Championship in June

From News Release   Filed 5/4/09  GCN
Updated Soccer Schedule - Click Here

The Mississippi Coast and Keesler Air Force Base will host the 2009 CISM International Women’s Soccer Championship that will take place June 6 through June 13, 2009. 

Teams from seven nations will converge upon Keesler Air Force Base and the surrounding gulf coast to compete in this 10-day soccer championship.  Preliminary team commitments include Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Republic of South Korea, and the United States.  "I am excited to be a part of this event -- the CISM championship will put an international spotlight on Keesler and the Mississippi Gulf Coast region," said Brian Mooers, the wing's project officer for tournament.  "We have an excellent opportunity to showcase not only Keesler, but the surrounding communities as well." 

Women’s Soccer Championship games will be played at the Biloxi Indian Stadium and the Gulfport Sportsplex beginning June 6 and continue through June 13.  Teams must confirm participation on or before April 28 and a release detailing teams and game schedule will circulate after confirmation date. 

All games are free and open to the general public.  Special contests and give-a-ways will be offered during select matches, to include a kick contest during halftime of the Gold Medal Match where a $10,000 scholarship prize could be awarded.  Members of the participating teams will also present a junior clinic and participate in an autograph session. 

The International Military Sports Council, known by its acronym "CISM", is an international sports association composed of the armed forces of member nations accepted by the General Assembly. CISM is open to the armed forces of all nations.

The aims of CISM are to develop friendly relations between the Armed Forces of member nations, promote physical education and sports activities, provide mutual technical assistance, support less privileged members in the name of friendship and solidarity, contribute towards the balanced and harmonious development of military personnel, and contribute to the international effort for universal peace.

This ideal is encapsulated in the CISM motto "FRIENDSHIP THROUGH SPORT".

For more information on CISM, please visit their website:  http://www.cism-milsport.org/eng/welcome.html .

For more information concerning details of the event, please call Mr. Mooers, 228-377-0123, or e-mail brian.mooers@keesler.af.mil.  The Missississippi Gulf Coast Sports Commission can also provide information pertaining to the CISM Tournament at 228-276-1713 or online at www.msgcsc.org. 

More Information:

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Sports Commission was established in 2008 and is designed to collaborate
with area businesses, and corporations, to establish the Coast as a major sports region on a local, regional, and national level.  Through this partnership, we can enhance the visibility of the Coast,
attract new businesses, and increase tourism.   

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