Ta b l e o f
Content Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
PG. 04-05
F o u r Tr i e s t o Tr i u m p h : Faizan Zaki is a Champion
PG. 06-07
From Dallas to Portugal: N e x t G e n U n i t e d i s O n t h e Wa y
PG. 08
Pros at Home
PG. 09
Latest from the Commission
PG. 10
Upcoming Events
PG. 11
Vo l u n t e e r V i c t o r i e s - S t a t e Fair Classic
PG. 12-13
P r o u d To B e A F a n : H o w D a l l a s ’ Te a m s Celebrate Pride Month
nts
s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
FOUR TRIES TO TRIUMPH: FAIZAN ZAKI IS A CHAMPION
By: Alex Gilbert
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport The word “éclaircissement” is not a standard, everyday term for most people. When faced with this 15-letter word, they might pause, unsure of its definition or even how to begin spelling it. That wasn’t the case for 13-year-old Plano ISD student Faizan Zaki. Faizan displayed unwavering confidence when Dr. Jacques Bailly, pronouncer at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, asked him to spell the intricate word that would officially crown him champion. As the definition suggests, Faizan “cleared up something obscure” by spelling each letter correctly, with his dedication and perseverance front and center as he claimed victory at the 100th National Bee. This crowning achievement was not Faizan’s first excursion to the National Bee stage. He had qualified three times previously, ranking higher each year. Just one year before his triumph, he finished as the runner-up after a dramatic, rapid-fire “spelloff.” Undaunted by that disappointment, Faizan returned more determined than ever, redoubling his efforts with hours of daily study in pursuit of another chance at the championship.
“commelina” in his eagerness to begin spelling. The error gave his fellow spellers a second chance, but Faizan never wavered. Flashing a grin and a thumbs up to his cheering supporters, it was obvious he was ready to finish strong. With the pressure mounting, he correctly spelled “Cupar” and “Chaldee” in succession, even joking when finding out one of his final words was a homonym (words spelled and pronounced alike but different in meaning) by letting out an exasperated “Bruh!” showing off his now nationally known sense of humor. As his competitors struggled to spell their words a second time, Dr. Bailly encouraged Faizan to take a deep breath before his championship word. Faizan quipped that it didn’t help his nerves much, drawing laughter from the crowd. Despite the tension, he delivered when it mattered most.
Returning to the familiar stage in 2025, Faizan stood out immediately with a perfect written test score – the only speller in the field to do so. His mastery of words like “coterell” “politique,” and “radicicolous,” and his cool composure in defining “sapience” only grew his reputation as a truly exceptional competitor. The evening of the finals began with nine spellers still in the competition. The words grew increasingly tricky after all nine finalists had a flawless initial round. Rounds continued until only three remained. When his other competitors fell just short of the task in the 18th round, Faizan, seemed poised for success but stumbled for just an instant. In a split second of nerves, he misheard the word
4 | Faizan Zaki is a Champion
Faizan conquered the championship word éclaircissement with visibly growing excitement and officially claimed victory. He didn’t hesitate or ask for language of origin or a definition. He listened to the word, took a breath as Dr. Bailly had suggested, and dove straight into rattling off the letters. As the fi-
s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
nal “T” echoed, the ballroom erupted, and Faizan collapsed to the floor with confetti raining down on him. “Winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee after three previous tries feels surreal,” said Faizan Zaki, 7th grader at Plano Rice Middle School. “Each year taught me something new, and this time, all those lessons came together perfectly. I’m honored to bring back the trophy to Texas, representing my family, my school and the Dallas Sports Commission.” It’s the spirit of perseverance while enjoying the journey that Faizan embodies. For Faizan, the 17th bee champion from Texas, a state with more champions than any other, the final word was the crowning moment of a journey built on intelligence, determination, and resilience. Faizan did not make his journey to Nationals alone this year. The Dallas Sports Commission was proud to sponsor the top three finishers of the 67th annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee held in March: Faizan (winner), Avishka Dudala, a seventh grader at Rogers Middle School in Prosper, and Shreyansh Zadoo, an eighth grader at Van Alstyne Junior High School. At the National Bee, both Avishka and Shreyansh impressed with their composure and intellect, each reaching round seven and surpassing the majority of over 240 spellers. Avishka was eliminated on “voltinism,” and Shreyansh on “neoteny.” Their journey at the National Bee may have ended there, but simply reaching the nation’s premier stage makes them champions in their own right.
“Competing in the National Spelling Bee has been an incredible journey,” said Avishka Dudala, 7th grader at Prosper Rogers Middle School. “This experience has inspired me to keep pushing my limits.” “This was an unforgettable experience,” said Shreyansh Zadoo, 8th grader at Van Alstyne Junior High School. “The hard work and dedication I put into preparing are character qualities I’ll carry with me into the future.” In Faizan Zaki, Avishka Dudala, and Shreyansh Zadoo, we see that perseverance – letter by letter, round by round, year after year – is the true key to greatness. Their journeys remind every scholar and spelling enthusiast, young or old, that dedication, courage, and passion always spell success. Learn more about the Scripps National Spelling Bee at SpellingBee.com. Learn more about the Dallas Regional Spelling Bee at DallasSpellingBee.com Additional photos provided by the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The Dallas Sports Commission would like to thank the following sponsors for their partnership in the Dallas Regional Spelling Bee: WFAA, Leon Capital Group, and Southwest Airlines.
Faizan Zaki is a Champion | 5
FROM DALLAS TO PORTUGAL: NEXT GEN UNITED IS ON THE WAY
By: Ben Harbuck
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
Sometimes, the biggest opportunities start with something simple. For Roger Sosa, the founder of the Next Generation Cup, it was an unexpected handshake at a coaches’ convention in Chicago that set the wheels in motion. He wasn’t there with any grand designs, just a mission to meet people, swap stories, and talk soccer. But when he crossed paths with Filipe Rodrigues, the founder of Iber Cup, an international youth soccer tournament, everything changed. “He actually called me the guy with the coin,” Sosa recalls, referring to the signature Next Generation coin he hands out to invite teams to the Next Gen Cup. “We started talking, and just a week later, I was on a flight to Brazil.” That conversation led to a new opportunity for Next Gen Cup. For the first time, players selected from 2025 Next Gen Cup field will represent the U.S. at the 2026 Iber Cup. Two All Star teams (ages 12 and 14) will travel to Portugal and face off against some of the world’s top academies, including Barcelona, PSG, and Real Madrid. “Most people think Iber Cup is just a tournament, but we’re much more than that,” said Filipe Rodrigues. “We’ve created an ecosystem of op-
6 | N e x t G e n U n i t e d i s O n t h e Wa y
portunities for players, coaches, and athletes to not only compete but to train, try out, and even pursue professional opportunities in Portugal or Spain. Collaborating with Next Gen Cup creates a pathway for U.S. talent to experience that next level.” Sosa emphasized the philosophy: “This isn’t just another tournament. It’s an experience. And I didn’t want to send just the team that won in Dallas. I wanted to build something bigger something that gives kids from different backgrounds a shot at what most of them never get to see.” For many of these athletes, this will be their first time outside the U.S., and for some, their first flight. They come from different backgrounds, with limited access to resources or platforms that typically push players into the spotlight. But now, they’ll all have the opportunity to prove themselves to the world. Dillon Vedral, founder of Vedral Soccer Academy and an emerging coach in U.S. youth soccer, will be leading Next Gen United at Iber Cup. Fresh off coaching West Ham’s U.S. squad at the TST tournament this summer, Vedral brings credibility and care to the team.
s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
“It’s an honor to lead Next Gen United into a prestigious tournament like Iber Cup,” said Vedral. “We have so much untapped talent here in the U.S., and this tournament will give our players a chance to test themselves against the best. This is something they and our staff will never forget.” The name “Next Gen United” holds significant weight. These Next Gen stars hail from across the U.S., including Texas, Oklahoma, California, and Arizona. Sosa explained, the selection process wasn’t just about skill; it was about character. A group of independent trainers and scouts, without any club affiliations, watched, rated, and ultimately chose their selection pool. With the roster nearly confirmed, the focus now shifts to the road ahead. The next critical step is ensuring these young athletes, and their families have the financial support needed for their journey to Portugal. Gambit Group and Next Gen Cup have already begun fundraising efforts to help with travel expenses. Once the funding is secured, the final roster will have a few days to train together before flying to Portugal next April. This preparation will focus on both tactical training and building team chemistry, ensuring the players are fully ready on and off the pitch. “These kids will be treated like professionals from the moment they land,” Sosa says. “From the airport to the hotel to the first training session, everything will be designed to give them a real taste of what the next level feels like.”
The experience will be immersive, with every detail, including custom kits from Dress Code Sports and official credentials, designed to mirror what they might encounter at the next level. “This is about creating memories. Creating belief. For many of these kids, this will be the moment they realize they belong on a bigger stage.” Sosa added. What began as a small tournament primarily for the DFW region has quietly grown into one of the top youth tournaments in the U.S. Beyond the growth on the field, Next Gen has created a significant economic impact in the Dallas area, contributing positively to the local economy. With 20 thousand plus attendees each year, Next Gen Cup is filling local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, while also providing the next generation of athletes from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to compete against elite competition. Now, the partnership between Next Gen and Iber Cup represents another step forward for the Next Gen movement as it continues to open doors for players, coaches, and communities through the power of soccer. For more information about Next Gen United’s participation in the Iber Cup, or to learn how to support the initiative, contact Roger Sosa at roger@gambitgroupllc.com
FOLLOW NEXTGENCUP ON SOCIALS
N e x t G e n U n i t e d i s O n t h e Wa y | 7
PROS AT HOME IN
JUly
8 | Pros At Home
L a t e st
f ro m
t h e
THE COMMISSION As of early June, the one year countdown for the FIFA World Cup has begun! To celebrate this milestone and prepare for the world, the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee partnered with the Trinity River Authority, the City of Fort Worth, the City of Arlington, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the Trinity Coalition to clean up Lake Arlington. The team of dozens of volunteers collected litter from the banks of Lake Arlington on the morning of June 13th. This event and others like it support the mission of sustainability and community engagement in preparation for one of the world’s largest sporting events.
MORE INFORMATION
The North Texas Organizing Committee also announced their first Host City Supporter, Coca Cola Southwest Beverages, who became the first donors in a new soccer gear donation drive that will extend from now through June 30th, 2025. Donations will be accepted for new soccer gear at select Kroger and YMCA locations throughout the Metroplex. Stay tuned for more volunteer opportunities, fan events, and engagement opportunites in the year leading up to the World Cup!
Dallas Marathon Registration Open Registration is now open for the annual BMW Dallas Marathon! The BMW Dallas Marathon is Texas’ longest-running and Dallas’ most popular marathon. The marathon route takes competitors past some of Dallas’ most iconic landmarks and districts, and each regristration benefits the Scottish Rite for Children hospital. This year, several running events will take place from Friday, December 12th, to Sunday, December 14th. Whether you are interested in a 5K or a full marathon, register today to secure your spot in the official marathon of the City of Dallas. REGISTER TODAY!
Latest From DSC | 9
Upcoming events 10 | Upcoming Events
USA VOLLEYBALL GIRLS JR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
JUNE 25- JULY 3 KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON CONVENTION CENTER DALLAS
US YOUTH SOCCER SOUTHERN REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS JUNE 27- JULY 2 MONEYGRAM SOCCER PARK - MULTIPLE VENUES
ULTIMATE NINJA WORLD FINALS JULY 10 - JULY 12 DALLAS MARKET HALL
THE INVITATIONAL: A GLOBAL DANCE EXPERIENCE 2025 AUGUST 4 - AUGUST 7 HILTON ANATOLE IN DALLAS
FENCING NORTH TEXAS ROUNDUP 2025 AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 1 DALLAS MARKET HALL
STATE FAIR CLASSIC SEPTEMBER 27 COTTON BOWL STADIUM
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: •
US Youth Soccer Southern Regionals
•
Ultimate Ninja World Finals 2025
LEARN MORE
State Fair Classic Tickets Available Join us on this fall for the 100th anniversary of the State Fair Classic! This fairtime tradition returns in 2025, and the fierce rivalry between Prairie View A&M and Grambling State continues at the Cotton Bowl on September 27th at 6:00 PM.
Learn Where to Purchase Tickets
Vo l u n t e e r V i c t o r i e s - S t a t e F a i r C l a s s i c | 1 1
PROUD TO BE A FAN HOW DALLAS’ TEAMS CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH By: Peyton Lawrence
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
Each June, the city of Dallas and the surrounding region become a little bit more colorful as people, communities, and organizations come together to celebrate Pride Month. Many of DFW’s major professional sports teams participate in the festivities, hosting themed pride games or events, releasing special-edition pride jerseys, or donating money to local charities dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Even teams without summer games often dedicate at least one night during their season to celebrating inclusivity and acceptance in sports. Check out how some of our pro teams have celebrated in 2025:
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are hot off a successful season and impressive playoff run filled with exciting moments for all fans, but the regular hockey season does not extend through
June. As such, the Stars hosted their annual pride night earlier in the year, on March 4th, 2025. The video boards throughout American Airlines Center had custom rainbow graphics, classic pride tunes were playing throughout the game, and the team gave pride-flag sweatbands to the first fans to arrive. Beyond the game itself, however, the Stars held an auction for pride-themed jerseys signed by the players. Proceeds from both the jersey raffle and the team’s 50/50 raffle benefitted The Resource Center, a local organization that supports the health and community needs of LGBTQ+ people across the Metroplex. Through the auction alone, the team raised more than $17,000 for the organization. The evening concluded with a win- both for the Stars, as they emerged victorious over the New Jersey Devils, and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.
1 2 | H o w D a l l a s ’ Te a m s C e l e b r a t e P r i d e M o n t h
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
FC DALLAS
Each year, FC Dallas hosts their “Y’all Means All” Night, a themed game that celebrates pride and inclusivity in the most Texan way. In 2024, the team sported unique “Love Unites” warmup jerseys designed by Pabllo Vittar- a notable gay artist, performer, and drag queen before the game. The autographed warmup jerseys were auctioned, with proceeds benefitting Dallas Hope Charities, an organization that operates an LGBTQ-focused homeless youth transition center. In addition, pridethemed merchandise designed by local artists was offered in fan stores, with a portion of proceeds going to support Dallas Hope Charities. This year, the team will celebrate the occasion on June 25th in a 7:30 P.M. match against the San Jose Earthquakes, and festivities will be as exciting and important as ever, especially as soccer becomes more and more popular both here at home in Texas and globally.
Dallas Wings
In 2024, the Dallas Wings’ pride celebration game was one of the first of the season to sell out, and it’s not hard to see why: the team always goes above and beyond with celebrations, activations, and community outreach. In addition to offering pride-themed merchandise, the team hosts local partners like the Human Rights Campaign and Pride Frisco during the game and honors recipients of the City of Dallas Pride Excellence Award, an award that recognizes LGBT+ leaders in business, civic engagement, philanthropy, and more. The team has been celebrating Pride Month for several years, with each season’s celebration growing in scale and popularity. 2025’s Pride Night took place on June 8th at the team’s home in Arlington, and the scale of the event was even greater than years past, with the
entirety of University Park Center decorated with pride flags, balloons, and rainbow lighting. The halftime performer was a local queer hip-hop artist, Cure For Paranoia, and the anthem singers were the Turtle Creek Chorale, a primarily gay men’s choir. The Wings pulled out all of the stops to ensure the celebration supported members of the LGBTQ+ community in every possible way. These teams are only a handful of many across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex that celebrate pride with their fans. The Dallas Mavericks, for example, celebrated pride at a November game, and there are several LGBTQ+ leagues in the area that offer opportunities for friendly competition and community building. The support of professional teams and organizations is more important than ever, and the teams in the Dallas region rise to the occasion year after year. Teams are just one piece of the much larger puzzle of championing acceptance and inclusivity in the world of sports, but when teams choose to celebrate these values, they help lead the way for all of us to both accept others and live our most authentic lives. Take a look at some upcoming LGBTQ+ events and experiences in Dallas here! For more information about the mentioned philanthropic organizations, visit the following websites: The Resource Center: myresourcecenter.org Dallas Hope Charities: dallashopecharities.org The Human Rights Campaign: dfw.hrc.org Pride Frisco: pridefrisco.org
H o w D a l l a s ’ Te a m s C e l e b r a t e P r i d e M o n t h | 1 3