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Matt and I were back in Stark County, Ohio, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame this past weekend. Our first stop was in Massillon for the Fun in Sun Carnival. We set-up next to the Super Slide, and Matt convinced one of our new friends Jacob to take a ride down the slide wearing Team USA gear.

We were also able to get a few fans to put on the Team USA jerseys and take a spin on the Round-Up, a 360-degree turning amusement ride. As the ride elevated, fans began to chant “USA! USA!” a sure sign that Team USA will enjoy plenty of support here in Stark County.

The day continued with fans, family and friends stopping by to try out the QB toss and learn more about the Junior World Championship. With their carnival fare such as cotton candy, elephant ears, and funnel cake participants lined up to get an exclusive JWC poster.

On Saturday, we made our way to the Wireless Center in Canton to partner with 106.9 FM for a live remote broadcast. DJ Chad Bishop encouraged people to come out and check out the Team USA Road Tour. Eager shoppers and employees flocked to our set-up and tried their luck at the QB toss. There were also prizes from the radio station to be won at the corn hole game. Everyone seemed to be drawn to the free pizza, as well as great deals at the Wireless Center. We were even joined by Santa Claus and Tim the Squirrel.

Stark County is getting ready to welcome Team USA and the Junior World Championship later this month. They have already welcomed Matt and I.

-Mick

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Mick and I spent our Memorial Day in the “Massillon Memorial Day Parade” in downtown Massillon, Ohio. The parade, dedicated to Veterans of all wars brought out the young and old to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have helped protect this country. This being my first parade Mick was very helpful in explaining the procedures of a parade, most importantly outlining the proper head nod and wave to greet on-lookers.

As the Team USA Road Tour van strolled down the streets with the Football Helmets and American Flags on the mirrors flying high we received  many smiles and waves. Some of the same people who visited us at the Fun in Sun Carnival on Friday were also at the parade, with laughter and football toss motions directed to us as they reenacted their experience at the Team USA Football Toss a few days earlier.

The parade rout winded through streets  towards the Massillon Cemetery, passing houses with residents sitting on the porch taking in the festivities.With local  Firemen, Paramedics, Veterans, Classic Car Club Members, Bikers, and the Massillon High School Marching Band all in attendance, this was a true community event, and everyone showed their support,  and I’m glad Mick and I were able to be apart of it. A great way to wrap up a fun and exciting Memorial Day weekend in Stark County.

Until the next Adventure,

Matt

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It was Pro Football Hall of Fame Day at the Akron Aeros baseball game at Canal Park on Sunday. Fans received a free baseball as they entered the stadium and were greeted by a huge inflatable helmet, courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Team USA Road Tour was set just behind the right field bleachers, as fans learned more about the Hall of Fame and the upcoming Junior World Championship. Fans young and old stopped by to check it out.

Matt and I were able to meet Hall of Famer and former Buffalo Bills/Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe DeLamielleure (that’s him in the picture). As a member of the famed Buffalo Bills “Electric Company” offensive line, he helped to pave the way for OJ Simpson, who rush for 2,003 yards in 1973, Active and still fit, DeLamielleure was able to talk about his impressive workout and conditioning program. He recently completed a cross country bicycle ride to raise funds for a local orphanage. A friend and colleague of Head Coach Chuck Kyle, he wished Team USA good luck as they prepare to take on the world. DeLamilluere, himself, conducts an offensive lineman skills clinic and was excited to learn that his alma mater Michigan State had two players; Micajah Reynolds and Chris Norman on Team USA.

The day was filled with excitement not only about the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but also Team USA. Even though the Aeros lost the game, they gained two more fans in Matt and me.

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Make sure to check out the Team USA Road Tour as we will be hitting up all the hot spots in Stark County during this Memorial Day weekend. With the Junior World Championship a little more than month away, Mick and I will be on the move promoting the JWC and Team USA near the tournament’s location. Make sure to visit us at the following events.

Friday 5/22 – Fun in the Sun Carnival

We’ll be set up at the Massilion Recreation Center. There will be games, rides, and bands, and most importantly Team USA Football! This should be a great event.

Saturday – Wireless Center

Grilling food and costume characters along with a live broadcast from ROCK 106.9 FM

Sunday-Akron Aeros Baseball Game

The Akron Aeros will be taking on the Erie Sea Wolves on the “Pro Football Hall of Fame” Day. Former Cleveland Browns lineman Joe DeLamielleure will be on hand to sign autographs. Hopefully we can pull him away for a short interview and see his skills at the football toss.

Monday- Memorial Day Parade

Mick and I will be cruising Downtown Massillion in the Team USA Road Tour Van in the Parade.

Come on out and help support Team USA. See you there!

-Matt

The USA Football Road Tour will be passing through Cleveland, Ohio on these dates:

• Wed, May 20
• Thu, May 21
• Fri, May 22
• Sat, May 23
• Sun, May 24
• Mon, May 25
• Tue, May 26
• Wed, May 27
• Thu, May 28
• Fri, May 29
• Sat, May 30
• Sun, May 31

Check back on this post to see where Matt and Mick will be setting up or follow the Road Tour’s Twitter feed: http://www.twitter.com/TeamUSAFootball.