The Ultimate Kileleni Experience
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Global Football Invites a New Generation to Live “Kileleni”—To the Summit—in Tanzania, July 2027
GRANBURY, Texas — Sixteen years after Drake University and Mexico’s CONADEIP All-Stars made history by playing the first college American football game on African soil, Global Football is returning to Tanzania with an expanded journey that unites teenage student-athletes, adventurous adults, alumni, coaches, families, and travelers under one powerful Swahili call: Kileleni—to the Summit.
In May 2011 history was made when Drake University and Mexico CONADEIP Universities American football teams played the first college game ever on the African continent, fulfilling a dream of Coach Chris Creighton. With the support, spirit and unyielding efforts of a visionary leadership team, the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl accomplished every element of its planned mission.
Our vision is to amplify and expand the original Kili missions in July 2027 through the experiences and energy of teenage student-athletes from America, Mexico, Tanzania and other nations, along with dedicated coaches, returning alumni, families and other adventurers.
Our mission is to demonstrate the value of living the KILELENI SPIRIT every day; taking each Effort To the Summit!
The 2011 Kili Bowl was built around three core elements that reflected Coach Creighton’s “WHY”. They each remain today for each of the KILELENI travelers to EXPERIENCE and to share with the people of TANZANIA.
- Sport Drake and Mexico CONADEIP played an American tackle football game in Arusha, the initial such game ever played in Africa! The 2027 KILELENI EXPERIENCE will focus on Flag Football training and competitive games played among boys and girls of various ages and expanding all around the world. Stay tuned also for a brand new celebration of athletes who drive the game and enable stars to be developed.
- Humanity Coach Creighton and Coach Maya wanted their players and coaches to witness and to serve Tanzanian communities through time and labor served, especially for the local children, so this year’s travelers will return to further build upon the long-term impact from 2011.
- Adventure A spirited team of 128 from 3 nations attempted to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft) the last time, with 121 achieving that goal. Over the same 6 days, 52 engaged men and women relished their wildlife-oriented time together on photo safari in vast National Parks and Wildlife Centers. Each traveler will have the same options in 2027.
REGISTER FOR THE KILELENI EXPERIENCE TANZANIA
The 2027 Experience will capture Africa’s stunning natural wonders, such as the expansive savannahs, lush forests, unique wildlife and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Participants may choose their experiences, such as hiking to the summit, or a multi-day safari adventure. Thousands of dedicated human efforts, guided by divine timing, created life-changing journeys in 2011. The same spirit will inspire all attendees in 2027, thereby spreading the powerful meaning of the Swahili word “KILELENI” … To the Summit!.
“It was God in His own time, in His own way, who allowed memories to be created that changed everyone’s lives,” Coach Chris Creighton has said of the original journey. Sandy Hatfield Clubb, writing in the book Tupande Kileleni, described it as one of those rare experiences that leaves “an indelible imprint upon your soul.” The 2027 Experience is designed so that a new generation—and those who were there the first time—can live that same daily goal: taking every effort to the Summit.
Karibu. Welcome. The most common Swahili word travelers will hear is also the invitation Global Football extends now: come share Africa’s savannahs, forests, wildlife, and the roof of the continent while demonstrating the Kileleni spirit every day.
Media and registration contacts:
Patrick Steenberge, President/Founder — patrick@globalfootball.com | 817.219.7274
Mitch Osadchuk, Vice President — mitch@globalfootball.com | 734.660.9074
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