After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the annual Freedom Bowl was scheduled for July 9, 2022. However, while there is some sponsorship and funding, there are insufficient players signed up to hold the event. With sadness, the committee has made the decision to cancel this year’s event. Freedom Bowl Game Chairman Mike Clemenhagen made the following statement “It appears the annual football game is a victim of outstanding players being signed to colleges and unable to play in a post high school event. We have several local teams with recent state titles or successful runs deep into the state playoffs, that have showcased local talent to college programs. As a result, many of the athletes we have attracted to past games, are not available”. Chairman Clemenhagen went on to thank sponsors of past games and those who stepped up this year. Mr. Clemenhagen noted that COVID, combined with raising prices, have made commercial sponsorships difficult for local businesses. He wanted everyone to know how much these generous businesses and people are appreciated.
Chairman Clemenhagen also thanked the players who did sign up for the 2022 and all of those who have played in years past. It could not have happened without all of the support of players, coaches and fans. The Freedom Bowl committee is exploring several possibilities and sports that are underserved in Southwest Washington, to continue to showcase local talent, provide a service to the community and raise monies for Shriners Hospitals. ###
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