Soccer 2016
On Saturday August 6th, Kevin Kolm Field was abuzz with soccer players from all over Long Island. The Mastermind Unit (MMU) proudly presented their 9th Annual 7v7 Soccer Tournament, which benefitted the Michael Magro Foundation for the sixth year in a row. The “Soccer for a Cause” event raised over $7400 this year for the foundation. Mastermind also works with other nonprofits around the area to help raise funds for other local charities. In the nine years since their inception, MMU has donated over $100,000 for charity.
Sixteen soccer teams from the Tri-State area played under overcast skies for the charitable event. According to Paul Magro, President of the Michael Magro Foundation, this year’s event brought three less teams than 2015, but it was still a rousing success. Shaefer Alemania defended their title as the reigning champions for the Soccer for a Cause tournament. Second place winners were the Upper 90 Team from Hicksville. Tunes were spun by DJ Dean of Ultimate Sound Entertainment, who donated his services this year, and all of the food was prepared by Chef Paul Magro. Volunteers were on hand to assist with the event, which had a spectacular turn-out. A $500 donation per team included t-shirts, music, food and entertainment.
Sponsors for this year’s event included Mission Nutrition of Hicksville and Peak Performance Physical Therapy of Wantagh. Terrie Magro, VP of the Michael Magro Foundation, says of her sponsors, “Their support is fantastic. Anthony of Mission Nutrition told me again how much he believes in this cause. Any time I’ve ever asked them for a raffle basket, they donate without question. Year after year, Peak Performance PT has entered a team into the soccer tournament. They’ve also supplied education for anyone who has stopped at their table.”
Hicksville Fire Department was also on hand for emergencies and medical care. Steve Smith, EMT, who is also a huge soccer fan, has represented HFD yearly for the soccer tournie. Terrie has expressed gratitude to all of the volunteers, and credits the success of her events to those who have unselfishly donated their time and efforts.
One of the highlights of the game was the representation of the NY Cosmos of the New York Soccer League for the second year in a row. This year, the NY Cosmos brought centerback #6 Roversio Rodrigues de Barros, who stayed for an hour to sign autographs, hats, or the team’s Spring Season books. According to Terrie, “Roversio was incredibly gracious. He took pictures with whomever asked, in addition to signing. I asked him to sign the book of a Winthrop patient who is a soccer enthusiast. He was thrilled to sign the book for Alex, who attends Hicksville Middle School. At the beginning of soccer season, the NY Cosmos also donated some signed articles and a variety of other items that I delivered to Alex in the hospital. Roversio sends his well wishes to our soccer player at the Middle School.”
Terrie and Paul wish to offer a huge thank you to all who attended and participated in the event. They offered specific gratitude to Michael Stamatinos and Brian Horvath, co-founders of the Mastermind Unit, and to all involved in MMU for helping to make this event a success. According to Michael Stamatinos, “Coming back home every year and working together with friends to make this tournament happen is something I’m proud of. Donating our time and talent to such a special cause gives me a feeling that is indescribable. Being able to do it with lifelong friends is even more meaningful.” Mastermind Unit helps individuals lead and organize successful charity events. It was founded by three childhood friends from Long Island. As avid soccer players, they have hosted sports tournaments as charity events. They are available to help future leaders brainstorm charitable events. Individuals can learn to become a frontrunner through helping with scheduled events or training to run new ones. For more information, please visit http://www.mastermindunit.com, or email Michael at michaelstamatinos@gmail.com.
Next up for the Michael Magro Foundation is their 12th Annual Evening of Tasting and Giving, which will be held on October 17 at the Carltun at Eisenhower Park. Tickets, sponsorships and journal ads are all available on the foundation’s website at www.michaelmagrofoundation.com. The mission of the Michael Magro Foundataion is to better the lives of children with cancer, chronic pediatric illnesses, and pediatric cancer survivors by assisting their families in meeting the complex issues of care. For more information, please visit their website at www.michaelmagrofoundation.com. The foundation also has a Facebook and Instagram presence, so be sure to check them out to find out more or to volunteer your time.
Written by Patty Servidio, Freelance Writer