Miami Daily Blog
During the first round games on Wednesday Canon hosted a photography clinic at Lockahrt Stadium in Fort Lauderdale and invited 16 students from Northeast High School and Blanche Ely High School.
The day began at 10:00am as Sports Illustrated photographer, Peter Read Miller, headlined an instructional course in photography for the students. He spoke about his involvement with photography over his illustrious career, as well as photo tips that the students could use while shooting on their own. The clinic continued as the students were given a hands-on experience with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera, while using a Canon 70-200mm lens and a Canon EFS 17-85mm lens.
The entire group then spread out across the sidelines during the first round of the NFL Global Junior Championship where they were able to get up close and shoot photographs while Japan took on France. The students spent about an hour on the sidelines while being instructed by Peter Read Miller, Canon representatives and other photography experts. The day was capped off with a lunch that was catered courtesy of Canon. The entire day was filled with excitement while these students were able to get a first hand look behind the lens of a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera and shoot like the pros on the sidelines. Here are the shots that these students captured.
Photos by: Blanche Ely HS: Dontee Nichols, Jordan Striggles, Marthe Alexis, Wiluance Messalein, Roderick Holt, Gloria Docilit, Talya Arrington, Karl Barthol, Shanae Garner, Dorothy Harswell, Tabatha King.
Northeast HS: Patrick Murphy, Fendley Joseph, Todd Maddalena, Nick Gallagher, Fernanda Cardoso
Here's a quick view from inside the NFL Global Junior Championship XI Press Conference and Welcome Banquet, which took place on Monday night at the Fort Lauderdale War Memorial Auditorium.
The six head coaches hooked up with NFL Defensive Player of the Year Jason Taylor and Detroit Lions lineman Frank Davis, who played for Panama in the GJC in 2000, during the preparations for Wednesday's kickoff.
In a show of patriotism, Jason Taylor admitted: "Although I'm delighted and excited to see players from different countries from all over the world playing this game, I have to cheer on the USA and wish the local team from South Florida all the best as they compete in this event. I think that this area has the best football in the country, so I think the USA will win."
Team USA head coach Mark Guandolo responded: "I see Jason put a little pressure on us to win, but I know these teams will be prepared to play and the competition will be very stiff. Our team shows great sportsmanship and effort, which is what I'm looking for. We have great character and I feel good about our team.:
Canada head coach was the defensive coordinator for both Canada's consecutive victories over the USA in 2005 and 2006. Talking about the international appeal of the NFL Global Junior Championship, he said: "We come from different countries but we share the same passion and enthusiasm for the game of football."
Panama returns to the event for the first time since 2000 and head coach Roberto Roy is excited by his team's potential. He said: We are a very cohesive team of young men of good character and you will see good athletes out there on the field for Panama."
On Saturday and Sunday the teams arrived and were introduced to their respective host families. The NFL GJCXI web team was at University School in Broward County to see the Panama players meet up with their new families for the week.
Panama quarterbacks Peter Diaz (left) and Roberto Sanchez met Nicole and Kathy Miller, while Team USA kicker / tight end Brady Coldwell discovered he will be in the unusual position of facing his three houseguests Luis Aparicio, Luis Ferreira and Johnathan Jaramillo on the field when the teams meet on Wednesday. Mom Brinney will have to decide whether to cheer for her son or her 'adopted' sons.