GIRLS JUNIOR AMERICA'S CUP  Traditions

(Pictures may take a few moments)

OPENING & CLOSING CEREMONIES

The opening and closing ceremonies of the Girls Junior America's Cup Team Matches are similar to the opening and closing of the Olympics. Each team and its captain march to a gathering spot carrying their state/country flag. Team players and captains are introduced. Anthems from the three countries are played while the flag of the country; United States, Canada and Mexico is raised. When the official flag of the Girls Junior America's Cup is raised, the matches are declared open. On the final day when the GJAC flag is lowered, the matches are declared closed.

A parachutist arrives on the course bringing the flags of the three countries during opening ceremonies.

Flags are raised at the opening ceremony. Mary Cave, San Diego, salutes the U.S. flag.

Girls from the United States, Canada and Mexico release doves of peace at one of the closing ceremonies.

THE ANNIVERSARY QUILT

At the 20th anniversary of the Girls America's Cup, hosted by Northern California, a quilt was presented to the group. The quilt is made up of eighteen blocks, a single block submitted by each state/country. The quilt travels from site to site and is displayed prominently during each yearly event. The quilt's center reflects the anniversary theme and philosophy of the matches and reads, "Pride in Self, Team, State and Country."

TOURNAMENT BANQUET

Monday evening following the practice round and opening ceremony, a tournament banquet is held. Teams sit together and enjoy a delicious meal as well as meeting girls from other teams. A prominent speaker is part of the program in addition to tournament officials reviewing special course and tournament rules.

Girls meet each other at the tournament banquet.

POTLATCH

In 1989 the old Indian custom of exchanging gifts called "potlatch" was started. Each year teams bring gifts for another team to exchange at the opening banquet. The gifts are to represent the state/country from which they are given. Team names are drawn at the banquet and the two teams come in front, introduce themselves and explain the meaning of their gift. It is one of the highlights of the banquet.

Girls exchange bags of "goodies" at the potlatch.

PINS

Each team brings pins from its state/country to exchange with all the competitors. At the end of the event each girl will be taking home 17 different pins. The pins are a warm reminder of the friendships they made at the America's Cup.

Teams love exchanging pins representing their home.

GIFT TO HOST CLUB

Autographed memories hang in many clubs in three countries.

Each year the eighteen teams and their captains present to the host professional, staff and club members an autographed framed picture of the participants. This large wall hanging for the club is a small thank you for the generosity shown to all the teams during the matches at the host course. Since many of the participants will play on the various professional tours, it is nice for club members to remember when these girls enjoyed their facilities. Girls often return to the course, see their picture displayed and remember the wonderful time they had there.

TEAM DRESS

It is a tradition that all team members dress alike during competition. Team outfits add a great deal to the event. Each day the girls look forward to seeing the "new look" of the competition. "Dress like a champion" is an old saying and from the looks of the girls from practice round to the final round, they are all champions!

Looking sharp is the order of the day.

TOURNAMENT SOCIAL

Two team members wear tee shirts given to them by the Southern Nevada tournament committee.

Event socials vary. In 1996 the teams enjoyed the famous Fish Market in Seattle. In 1998 the teams went to a water park to beat the heat of California. From a barbecue in Idaho and Montana, a swim party in San Diego to a gondola ride in New Mexico, the girls enjoy what makes the area unique. Here girls are enjoying some ice cream at a sports arcade social event in Las Vegas.

HOST FAMILIES

One of the true benefits of the America's Cup is the girls being hosted by local families. In this way the participants are able to live with a family and experience different customs. Most families get very involved with "their girls" by attending the activities of the event and giving encouragement and support when attending the competition. Wednesday is designated as "Family Night" and many families join together to host a barbecue or take their girls to a tourist attraction of their city. The girls become very close to their hosts and often correspond long after the event has ended.

A young Idaho couple "adopts" four teenage girls into their family during the America's Cup.

VOLUNTEERS

Jackie Gasser from the Idaho Golf Association warmly greets a player at registration.

The America's Cup wouldn't be what it is without the large group of volunteers; club pro and staff, club members, state associations, community members and community businesses who sponsor the event. Club members give up their course for four days and instead of playing themselves, they work on committees, marshal and serve as markers. The food and beverage service at each club caters to these young women and the community opens its heart and its homes to make this a remembered event in a young girl's life. We thank them all.

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