Walsingham Academy is hosting a charity soccer tournament Saturday to raise money for HIV research and education, and it’s not too late to participate or donate.
Walsingham student and soccer player Spencer Kiniry helped start the HIV charity tournament in 2011 through Grassroot Soccer, a group fighting HIV in countries that include South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zabia through education programs and research. The group gets some of its funding through soccer tournaments and endurance events. The soccer tournaments are 3-on-3 style events that are played barefoot.
Kiniry was inspired to start a local tournament while watching the 2010 FIFA World Cup (read a story about the first tournament here); a fundraiser that drew $2,200 for the charity. This year, his younger brother Liam helped organize another tournament that will take place Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Walsingham soccer field.
Funds raised at Saturday’s youth and young adult event (for participants up to age 23) will be matched by Positive Tracks, a youth-centric nonprofit that offers challenge grants to charitable student athletic fundraisers. Positive Tracks will match funds raised up to $10,000.
Participants can register a team with up to four players as late as Friday at noon. The registration fee is $20 per player, which includes a Grassroot Tee shirt. Register or find out how to donate by visiting the event website.
