About Us

Mission Statement

The Junior Orange Bowl Committee, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that serves the community of South Florida and the Youth of the world by providing opportunities for wholesome, competitive, and multicultural experiences.

Message From the 2012-2013 President

It is with great jubilation that I welcome you to the 64^th Annual Junior Orange Bowl Festival. We hope that you will be able to join in the fun this year as we “Sail to New Adventures.”

Starting with a small community parade through the beautiful streets of Coral Gables in 1948, the Junior Orange Bowl has grown to be on the of the largest youth festivals in the world. With twelve separate events, representing a cross-spectrum of sports to cultural competitions, the Junior Orange Bowl welcomes young participants from over 75 different countries.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our many sponsors who, through their generous support, make this festival possible. Specifically, I would like to acknowledge: the City of Coral Gables - the Official Home of the Junior Orange Bowl, Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, Miami Children’s Hospital, and the Orange Bowl Committee.

The Junior Orange Bowl would not be successful without the dedication, leadership, and support unselfishly given by our members and volunteers.  On behalf of the Junior Orange Bowl, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

Finally, it is my sincere honor to introduce our new Executive Director, Barbara Norland. As we explore new opportunities and ready ourselves for future challenges, we are thrilled to have her leadership and expertise as we move forward together to successfully fulfill our mission.

Sincerely,
Don Slesnick III, President

Junior Orange Bowl

History of the Junior Orange Bowl Festival

Known as "The Largest International Youth Sports and Arts Festival," the Junior Orange Bowl Youth Festival blossomed in 1948 when the first Junior Orange Bowl Parade traveled through beautiful downtown Coral Gables. This was the wonderful beginning of a festival that is totally dedicated to "Celebrating Youth." Read the full history here

2012-2013 Economic Impact Study

The purpose of this report is to quanitfy the economic impact that the Junior Orange Bowl Committee has on the South Florida community.Read the full 2012-2013 Economic Impact Study here

- Prepared by Robert Bueso, Ph.D of The Valuation Group, Inc.

2013-2014 Junior Orange Bowl Board of Directors:

• Robert Bueso, Ph.D. - President
  Pete Tolmach - President - Elect
  Don Slesnick III, - Immediate Past President
  

• Kathleen Kauffman - Vice President

• Charles Knight -  Vice President

• Samantha Jones -  Treasurer

• Donald "Rusty" Hill - Secretary

• Barbara Waters - Board Member

• Abby Dresnick - Board Member

• JR Steinbauer - Board Member
  Linda Brown - Board Member

Contact the Junior Orange Bowl Office:

• Postal Address:
  Junior Orange Bowl
  3001 Ponce de Leon Blvd
  Coral Gables, FL 33134
• Phone: 305-662-1210
• Fax: 305-669-8745
•  
• Email: jobc@jrorangebowl.com

The Junior Orange Bowl Staff:

• Barbara Norland, Executive Director
  bnorland@jrorangebowl.org
  
  Alex Markel, Director of Operations & Communications
  amarkel@jrorangebowl.org
   

The Junior Orange Bowl Festival is possible with the support of the City of Coral Gables, Miami Children's Hospital, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. See our sponsors page.