International Sports Specialists, Inc. (ISSI), founded in February 1989 is based on the dreams of New Zealand native George O’Scanlon who fell in love with American football (gridiron) during his youth. His desire has been to promote gridiron to the people of New Zealand, as well as to Australia where he lived for many years and in doing so ISSI has had the opportunity to share the land Down Under with tens of thousands of individuals from across the United States. From the first Down Under Bowl in 1989, when four states produced a handful of teams, to 2007 when ISSI sent participants from almost all 50 states to participate in the Down Under Bowl and International Games, the goal has been the same; to use the common language of sports to bridge the continents.

The success of the Down Under Bowl was a springboard for ISSI’s involvement in the Down Under Hoops Classic and eventually the Down Under International Games. The number of athletes desiring to participate in these events has continues to grow each year and during 2008 ISSI anticipates further expansion.

ISSI hosts the “Games” which provides a forum for athletes from other countries to compete head to head in the sport they love. The 2008 Down Under International Games will include competition in volleyball, golf, cross-country, track and field, free-style wrestling and swimming. ISSI’s goal is to continue to provide participants the opportunity to experience the culture, beauty and grandeur of the land Down Under all within the framework of spirited and intense competition in many different sports.

Each athlete must be referred by his or her high school coach or state coach in order to participate in the Down Under Sports Program. Some prior standouts of the Down Under Bowl include Jake “The Snake” Plummer, retired quarterback for the Denver Broncos and Ahman Green, running back for the Houston Texans and Rob Morris, linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts. Many top universities also have Down Under Bowl Alumni.

 

If you have any questions, please contact International Sports Specialists at 1-800-456-4732.