About

The MENA Freedom 250 NFL Flag Football Launch and Championship is a 12‑month initiative designed to establish a development pipeline for flag football athletes across the Middle East and North Africa, inspired by the sport’s upcoming debut at the LA28 Summer Games. The program supports participating countries in organizing national outreach events and youth engagement activities, culminating in a regional championship in Riyadh in March 2027.

By leveraging the popularity of American sports culture, the initiative advances U.S. influence, economic interests, and leadership in international sport governance across the MENA region. It aims to foster cross‑cultural connections, expand youth participation in sports, and strengthen institutional capacity for international sports programming.

Estimated total program funding is $150,000, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $150,000.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include not‑for‑profit organizations such as sports diplomacy implementers, cultural exchange organizations, and civil society/NGOs with experience in international sports programming; public and private educational institutions with athletics or exchange programming capacity; and public international organizations and governmental institutions with relevant sports programming experience. For‑profit entities are not eligible to apply as prime recipients but may participate as in‑kind partners under the recipient’s award.

Post Date: September 02, 2026