Photo By Cpl. Michelle Brinn | Particpants compete at Camp Pendleton’s 11 Area football field for the 35th annual...... read more read more
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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Beautiful southern California weather created the picture-perfect setting at Camp Pendleton’s 11 Area football field for the 35th annual Buddy Bowl, Nov. 26.
The annual flag-football tournament drew more than 350 participants and raised more than $42,000 to benefit injured troops and their families.
“This is a great way to use our passion [of flag football] to benefit the Marines and sailors,” said Nico Marcolongo, retired Marine and president of the organization. “Seeing physically challenged and able-bodied participants come out and play together just inspires me and everyone who plays.”
The Buddy Bowl dates back to 1977, where it was originally a casual flag-football tournament played on the beaches of San Diego. In 1999, after five Marines and one Navy corpsman were killed in a helicopter training accident off Point Loma, the tournament transformed into the fund-raising event it is today.
Four of the men killed in the accident were in Marcolongo's unit, which inspired him and his wife to raise money for the crash victims.
The Buddy Bowl now raises thousands of dollars each year for scholarships for military children who have lost parents in Iraq or Afghanistan. The charity also supports the Challenged Athlete’s Foundation and the Adaptive Sports Foundation, which both help organize leagues and pick-up games for the participants.
The event supports troops returning from combat zones that have experienced psychological injuries by providing funds for recognized treatments to help heal their invisible wounds.
“The Marines who participate today represent those who are fighting [overseas],” said Lisa Marcolongo, spouse of Nico Marcolongo and avid fundraiser for the program. “We’re so lucky to have the support that we do so we can continue to help the troops who serve.”
According to the Buddy Bowl website, this football game is the only annual event in the U.S. that raises money for military and law enforcement personnel and their families through a recreational sport, and it includes both physically challenged and able-bodied participants.
“I don’t feel 63 years old when I’m out here with all the young Marines,” said amputee Dan Oakland, Vietnam veteran and oldest participant in the event. “[This program] has helped keep me motivated through the struggle of being an amputee.”
Oakland also became a member of CAF after losing his right leg, below the knee, to an enemy mine while on patrol in the dense jungles of Vietnam. After retiring from the Army, Oakland began cycling, mountain biking and climbing, and participates in the Buddy Bowl each year.
In 2011, the Buddy Bowl took place in Las Vegas, Denver, Millis, Mass., and Camp Pendleton.
“I would like to thank Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for all the support this year,” said Nico Marcolongo. “I’m so glad we could put this event on again this year and that we were able to give the opportunity to come out and support the troops.
| Date Taken: | 11.28.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.28.2011 17:52 |
| Story ID: | 80636 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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