Local Girls Flag Football Player Selected To Represent Chicago Bears at Super Bowl LX
MACHESNEY PARK, IL – A local girls flag football standout has earned the opportunity of a lifetime after being selected to represent the Chicago Bears and Invisalign in San Francisco, the location for Super Bowl LX.
Harlem High School Senior Jiharia Young from Machesney Park will take part in a variety of activation events leading up to Super Bowl LX. Jiharia participated in Rockford Park District’s Flag Football program and is now a key player for the Harlem Lady Huskies girls’ flag football team. She is a multi-sport athlete competing in track and basketball. She was a finalist for the Youth Athlete of the Year award, NIC10 MVP, and was selected for the Illinois High School Girls All-State Second team.
Jiharia will join youth athletes from across the country, all representing their respective NFL clubs, for a multi-day experience that includes skill development events, competitive tournament play, player meet-and-greets, and appearances during Super Bowl festivities. Jiharia is one of four girls chosen by the Chicago Bears in the State of Illinois to serve as an ambassador and Invisalign is paying for her and her mom’s travel and hotel.
“We are extremely proud of Jiharia as we’ve watched her work hard and grow as an athlete over the years. The Rockford Park District’s Flag Football program provided her with the fundamentals of the game but her dedication, resilience, and authentic love for the game shine on and off the field. Opportunities like this don’t just celebrate one athlete, they open doors, spark confidence, and show young girls everywhere what’s possible,” said Lamont Jones, Rockford Park District General Manager for Youth Sports and Clarence Hicks Sports Complex.
Flag football has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing sport and engages a diverse range of participants with its accessible format. Today, with more than 700,000 youth participate in NFL Flag and it’s now also a pathway for female athletes to play in high school and college. The NFL, USA Football, and partners like the Chicago Bears have invested in expanding access, creating opportunities for young athletes to compete at higher levels and experience national opportunities.
