Soccer for Harmony to Promote Racial Peace and Health in Crown Heights

Twenty years after the Crown Heights riots, local soccer players hailing from the Caribbean, Orthodox Jewish, Israeli communities and beyond will face off at Hamilton Metz Field for "Soccer for Harmony!"

This festive day of peace will be dedicated to the children of the community to show peace between cultures. The game also will give special honor to Christopher Rose, the “iPod kid”, stabbed to death at 15 years old in 2005 by a gang of teens over an iPod.

The teams will comprise of Caribbean-born and Orthodox Jewish players who regularly play on the same field-- but rarely with each other. The joy of soccer has brought them together to support opportunities for all kids to play organized sports and get healthy.

The tournament supports Seeds in the Middle and the new Crown Heights Eagles Soccer League, led by former pro Portuguese player, Josef Cabral.

Seeds in the Middle is sending a call out to the community now. They need your support for Sunday's event. They are asking local restaurants to make food donations. They are also accepting individual financial donations. All of this will go to feed the children, the soccer players and to make this the most joyous event possible.

It can be as little as 30 portions of any healthy dish, and they will promote your restaurant on their Facebook page, which now has more than 6,000 followers! All donations are tax-deductible.

To help, contact Nancie Katz at 917-697-3745, www.seedsinthemiddle.org.

WHAT: Soccer for Harmony-- Outdoor Tournament at Hamilton Metz Field; Indoor Kids Soccer and Healthy Food at PS 221, 791 Empire Boulevard @ Troy
(possible new flea market to promote local businesses)

WHEN: Sunday, December 19, 2:00pm - Play-offs - four teams; 3:00pm - Finals - two teams. Prize: Trophy, certificate to Basil Pizza and Wine Bar (a hip, local kosher eatery)

WHERE: Hamilton Metz Field (Albany/Lefferts Avenues, Crown Heights, Brooklyn)

WHY: For peace, solidarity, health and fun!