Sweating the Jersey for a Good Cause

"drop by drop the bodies began to moist the jerseys...each representing that symbol of every kid who sits back on a hospital bed...patiently waiting...the players poured out of their heart the struggle for survival in every intense move, kick, and score for a CURE..."

August 26th & 27th - ISOL & EL SOL Tournament of Hope benefiting the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

First off, it took a lot of work to plan something out outside of El Sol's norms.  First time we venture into creating a sporting event something that is not a VIP party with celebrities, etc.  This was an exciting time for all of us!  The purpose, to raise awareness within the Latino/Hispanic Communities about St. Jude and the fact that our station [the only spanish radio station in Charleston] will be conducting their 6th Annual Radioton Promesa Y Esperanza 2011 on September 22nd and 23rd.

So, as the brain behind the tournament, I am proud to say that everything worked 100% to it's purpose.  Sure, next time will be better, however, we did an incredible job at getting the attention of the community through something they love to to - playing and watching soccer!

There were 8 teams battling to Stand out and win first place a total of $300 in Cash, the recognition of being leaders not only in the field but with character and humility.  Second place earned $150 Cash, plus medals that were passed to each player.  Each team played 2 games, the 3rd game was elimination with the teams having the highest points would move to semi finals and then finals.

To me this was a way to capture the audience with something that our Latino Community loves to do.  It was a complete success to see that everyone out there was very supportive to a good cause and knowing they were out there respresenting what most kids at St. Jude hunger for: a time to play and run freely expressing their joy through a single game.  Regardless of the level of skills, competitivity, everyone kept in mind that although the kids of St. Jude were not amongst us, they were in our minds and hearts.  That was the reason behind these games.  The players represented Health and how winning a game is like fighting to win a fight for a cure, the constant struggle of getting one step closer to getting more kids where they need to be: home. 

With each player in the field, ever kick, every goal, they represented that faith to continue to fight regardless! And of course not to give up.  In soccer there is a time limit and so it is with Cancer, but for as long as we continue to fight together as a team we will overcome whatever is to come!

I am very proud of this community for being out there, to ISOL for providing the place and making this experience a memorable one! And to all the teams and fans for supporting the KIDS! Thanks to ALL!

Here are some radom pics of the final teams that advanced to finals, Maria Laura and I giving out the Thank you SPeech and reminding everyone what the purpose of these games were, and also random pics of the day's events.

"And the hearts and minds were moved, they were captivated by the presence of such kindred hearts pouring their hearts out in every game ..."

St. Jue Balloon Outisde

The kids playing with water balloons {daniel and Maria Laura }

Uniao America vs. Los Irresistibles - 2 teams that went into finals

Me [Maria] & Maria Laura [Yang Scofano red] giving our Thank You Speech
And presenting the Teams with the Trophies and recognition!
(so there, who said a girl could not organize a little soccer tourney ;-)

More pictures can be viewed by visiting http://www.facebook.com/ El Sol Wazs-AM [become our friend whether you speak Spanish or not, we still have FUN!]