Panhellenic tournament biggest ever

BY SCOTT HADDOW

The soccer fields of Greater Sudbury will come alive this weekend when the largest Panhellenic Soccer Tournament ever is contested. A total of 95 clubs from across Ontario are signed, sealed and ready to deliver fast-paced action and brilliant sportsmanship.

The most the tournament has ever hosted was 83 teams in 2005.

In 2006, the tournament welcomed 65 teams.

Reputation of a solid event has caused the swelling of numbers.

"This tournament is in big demand," said organizer Fabio Belli. "We've been doing this for nine years now and a lot of the increase in teams has to do with how well organized the tournament is and how much fun they all have. Teams leave and promote the tournament to other teams down south."

Out of the 95 squads coming, 68 are from out-of-town.

The tournament will provide opportunities for fans to go watch highly competitive soccer for free.

"It's a truly Greater Sudbury event," said co-chair Lloyd Rebeiro. "We're playing on every available field in town. We're tying the tournament into the Greek Festival, so there's even more for people to do. This tournament gets better every year...we're doing something right."

The 2007 version is being dedicated to the memories of Jeno Tihanyi, Greg Olsen, Pablo Parada and John Sikora Sr.
"These gentlemen were all ambassadors of the sport of soccer," said Rebeiro. "They were volunteers and cared about the tournament and the sport. It's nice to recognize people who have made a difference."

The local teams are anxious to fight for gold on their home turf.

"We always have to travel out-of-town for big tournaments," said Tiye Traore of the Panhellenic U-14 Lightning team. "It's nice to stay at home and get really good competition. We want to win gold, especially since we're playing in our own city in front of our own fans."

The tournament is also an opportunity for Sudbury to showcase the entire community to hundreds and hundreds of visitors.
"The tournament is a great way support Sudbury soccer and show people what we have," said Kaitlyn Matson, goalie for the Panhellenic U-14 Lightning team. "The competition is tough, but we are out to win."

The tournament runs from July 28 to 29. The games will be decided at the following fields: Laurentian University, James Jerome, Lasalle Secondary, St. Charles, Howard Armstrong, Delki Dozzi, Queen's Athletic Field and Sacre Coeur.

The majority of the playoffs and finals will be held at James Jerome and Laurentian.