JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Geary County Schools USD 475 announced that Junction City Middle School seventh grade student Elijah Fernandez&nbsp;recently competed in bowling at the 2025 Friendship Games&nbsp;in Denmark and Sweden.

Fernandez, who competed for U.S. Athletes International during the 10-day tour, was the youngest student-athlete at 12 years old to compete on his team at the games in July. He not only helped his squad place first overall at the trio’s team competition in Sweden, but also placed third overall, individually, in singles action in Denmark.

“Elijah is excited to be able to try out for the Junction City Middle School bowling team this year,” said Denise Acosta, mother of Elijah and Spring Valley Elementary teacher. “You can find him spending a lot of his free time at bowling allies and we are very grateful for all the support we received to allow this opportunity to happen.”

By Matt HooverUSD 475 Communications CoordinatorJUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Geary County Schools USD 475 announced that Junction City Middle School seventh grade student Elijah Fernandez&nbsp;recently competed in bowling at the 2025 Friendship Games&nbsp;in Denmark and Sweden. Fernandez, who competed for U.S. Athletes International during the 10-day tour, was the youngest student-athlete at 12 years old to compete on his team at the games in July. He not only helped his squad place first overall at the trio’s team competition in Sweden, but also placed third overall, individually, in singles action in Denmark.“Elijah is excited to be able to try out for the Junction City Middle School bowling team this year,” said Denise Acosta, mother of Elijah and Spring Valley Elementary teacher. “You can find him spending a lot of his free time at bowling allies and we are very grateful for all the support we received to allow this opportunity to happen.”

Fernandez Shines at 2025 Friendship Games