UC Hosts 11th Annual 'Peace Bowl' Youth Football and Cheerleading Classic, Aug. 4-6

More than 1,250 local and national kindergarten through sixth-grade football players will

strap on their helmets at the University of Cincinnati Aug. 4 - 6 as part of 

the

Peace Bowl Football Classic

in UC’s Marge Schott Stadium.

This year also marks the first time for adding a cheerleading exhibition on Friday evening that includes 360 cheerleaders ages 4-13. The UC cheerleaders will be on hand to work with the youth cheerleaders and lend a personal touch.

What started in 1993 as the “Victory Parkway Bowl,” eventually evolved into the Fred Shuttlesworth Chapter Peace Bowl Classic to promote peace, non-violence and harmony between local inner-city youth. The annual event that includes more than 50 teams from as far away as Chicago and Michigan found a home on UC’s campus starting in 2016.

“We are proud to host the annual Peace Bowl Classic on our campus,” says Mike Bohn, UC’s director of athletics, “It is an honor to be part of this program and build positive bonds with our surrounding community.  

“We always look forward to the rewarding outreach this weekend provides where the players, families and fans have a safe, fun and fulfilling football experience.”

Admission is $5 for 12 and up, $2 for kids 4 to 11 and free for kids 3 or under. All proceeds from the event go toward paying sports fees for local kids who couldn’t otherwise afford to play for their schools.

“We are celebrating the 11th anniversary of the Peace Bowl this year, and are excited to bring local youth and others from around the country to the University of Cincinnati,” said Robin Engel, UC’s vice president for Safety and Reform.” This will be the first time many kids play on a collegiate field and visit a college campus.

"An experience like this not only provides them an opportunity to meet children from other communities and cities, but shows them what learning opportunities exist beyond football so they can aspire to be what they want to be.”

To liven the atmosphere, UC Police Department’s canine dog Dozer will be at the event on Saturday before the presentation ceremony to greet the players and fans, as will the Bearcats mascot. The UC police participation includes allowing kids to see up close –– and possibly ride in –– police cars, motorcycles and segways during the event.

"In an era where one's neighborhood defines your turf, the Peace Bowl allows youth from other neighborhoods and cities an opportunity to develop positive relationships from the commonality of playing football," says Gregory Baker, UC director of community police relations.

All kids participating in the three-day event will be presented with “Future Bearcat” Under Armour T-shirts with the Peace Bowl logo.

In addition, Coach Fickell’s 2nd and 7 Foundation will provide books written to "tackle literacy" and provide inspiration to the aspiring future Bearcats.

In an effort to continue the outreach between the university and the surrounding communities, UC’s departments of Public Safety, Athletics, Communications and Facilities are partnering to host the annual event, helping to provide an up-close and personal university campus experience for all future Bearcats.

2017 Peace Bowl Information:
•    Friday, Aug. 4 (4 p.m. – 9 p.m. ) Cheerleading Showcase
•    Saturday, Aug. 5 (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.) Peace Bowl Classic hourly football games
        (1 p.m. – Presentation Ceremony)
•    Sunday, Aug. 6 (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.) Peace Bowl continues

For information on the Peace Bowl Classic