News

Middleton, FL – The I Own Florida Championships are set to take place this Sunday, February 15, 2026, at The Villages High School. The event, focused on folkstyle wrestling, will feature divisions for youth wrestlers ranging from 6U to 14U, as well as dedicated girls’ divisions. Registration for the event is $40.00 and must be completed online; walk-ups will not be permitted.

The I Own Florida Championships have become a significant event on the Florida wrestling calendar, attracting competitors from across the state. This year’s competition will include divisions for 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U, alongside girls’ divisions for 8U, 11U, and 14U. The tournament is categorized as a local, individual event, providing a platform for young wrestlers to showcase their skills.

Event Details and Registration

Weigh-ins for the I Own Florida Championships will be held exclusively on Saturday, February 14th. Interested participants are required to pre-register and pay online, as no on-site registration will be available. More information, including a tournament flyer and registration details, can be found on TrackWrestling. TrackWrestling provides a comprehensive platform for wrestling tournament management and information.

Sean Ballard, the contact for the event, can be reached at [email protected] for any inquiries. The event will be held at The Villages High School, located at 2210 Doctor Randy McDaniel Way, Middleton, FL 34762.

Live Coverage and Spectator Information

For those unable to attend in person, the I Own Florida Championships will be broadcast live on YouTube. The live stream will commence on Sunday, February 15th, offering viewers a chance to watch the competition unfold in real-time. The broadcast link is currently available on YouTube.

The event is categorized as a local competition, but it draws significant attention within the Florida wrestling community. According to WrestlingTournaments.org, the I Own Florida Championships are among the most comprehensive wrestling tournaments in the state, encompassing folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman events, as well as Jiu Jitsu, Beach, and Belt tournaments.

Previous I Own Florida Championships have seen competitive matches across all age groups. Results from past events, including the 2024 championships, are available online. For example, in the 6U division, Theodore Kania of Niceville secured 1st place, whereas Nicholas Steiner also from Niceville finished in 2nd. The Florida Wrestling Room provides detailed results from previous tournaments.

The I Own Florida Championships require participants to have competed in at least two prior IOF events, a stipulation designed to encourage consistent engagement within the IOF wrestling circuit. This requirement, as outlined in the official event flyer, aims to foster a strong and active wrestling community in Florida.

As the event approaches, wrestlers and their families are preparing for a day of competition and camaraderie. The I Own Florida Championships represent an important opportunity for young athletes to test their skills and contribute to the growing wrestling scene in Florida.

Following the conclusion of the championships, results will be posted online, and organizers will begin planning for future events. The continued success of the I Own Florida Championships underscores the dedication of the Florida wrestling community and the importance of providing opportunities for young athletes to excel.

Share your thoughts on the upcoming I Own Florida Championships in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling enthusiasts!

Johannesburg residents continue to grapple with a severe water crisis, experiencing intermittent supply and dwindling pressure despite recent promises of intervention from national government. The situation, marked by residents queuing for water tankers and resorting to storing water in any available container, highlights a deepening infrastructure failure and growing public frustration.

The crisis extends beyond inconvenience, impacting daily life for millions. Families are struggling to maintain basic hygiene, prepare meals, and operate businesses. Schools have been forced to close early, disrupting education, while economic activity suffers. The situation reached a boiling point last September in Coronationville, sparking protests, and remains volatile in areas like Midrand, where businesses and schools are facing disruptions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation Address on February 13, 2026, announced a R54-billion fund aimed at addressing water and sanitation issues in metros. The plan, as outlined by Ramaphosa, intends to ensure revenue from water usage is reinvested into repairing pipes, reservoirs, and pumping stations. Although, skepticism remains high, with some questioning the effectiveness of the proposed solutions.

New National Water Crisis Committee Established

In response to the escalating crisis, Ramaphosa also announced the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will chair. The committee’s mandate is to coordinate efforts, deploy technical experts, and expedite action. This approach mirrors the National Energy Crisis Committee, which was credited with addressing the country’s load shedding issues. Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa have been tasked with engaging directly with residents in Gauteng to explain the government’s immediate plans. According to Ramaphosa, initial reports indicate that damaged pipes are being repaired and reservoirs are beginning to fill.

However, not all are convinced. Afriforum has dismissed the new committee as meaningless, arguing that it lacks substance and fails to address the root causes of the problem. WaterCAN has also cautioned against the committee becoming merely a “talk shop,” emphasizing the need for concrete action and accountability.

Billions Pledged for Infrastructure Repair

The government has budgeted R156 billion over the next three years for water and sanitation infrastructure improvements, focusing on fixing existing infrastructure. Plans are also underway to establish a National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency to manage the country’s water assets. The government has already initiated legal action, filing criminal charges against 56 municipalities for failing to meet their obligations under the National Water Act, with plans to prosecute municipal managers personally for violations.

The timing of these announcements comes ahead of local government elections later this year, placing significant pressure on the ruling ANC to demonstrate tangible improvements in service delivery. The water crisis, alongside other service delivery failures like refuse collection and sewage issues, poses a major challenge to the ANC’s electoral prospects.

The scale of the problem is significant. Residents in areas like Ridgeway, Johannesburg, have been forced to rely on boreholes for water, highlighting the widespread nature of the shortages. The situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions and effective governance to ensure access to this essential resource.

Looking ahead, the success of the government’s intervention will depend on the swift and effective implementation of the announced plans, as well as a commitment to long-term infrastructure investment and accountability. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the promised relief will materialize for Johannesburg residents and other communities facing similar challenges.

What are your thoughts on the government’s response to the water crisis? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.