President Donald Trump announces plans to roll back former President Barack Obama’s policies tightening restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba.
CHICAGO –(ENEWSPF)–June 19, 2017. The Chicago KICS Community Academy, one of the largest youth soccer programs in the city, will host a special event on Wednesday, June 21 at 4:00 P.M. at Dunbar Park, 300 E. 31st Street in Chicago, as a celebratory sendoff for the first ever youth soccer teams from Chicago to travel to compete in Cuba. Amidst the latest news coming out of the Trump Administration, this historic trip could possibly be the last time youth athletes from Chicago have the opportunity to go to Cuba.
At the event on Wednesday, players from the KICS United FC U16 and U12 boy’s teams will gather for a final training session in preparations for their competition in Cuba. Alderman Pat Dowell, 3rd Ward will also be traveling on this Historic trip with over 60 players, parents and other community leaders. “It is surprising to see the progress that has been made in the last two years halted and reversed by the Trump Administration.” said Alderman Pat Dowell.
During the trip, the U16 and U12 boys will play competitive soccer in both Havana and Varadera against Cuban athletes. Players and families will also have several opportunities for cultural exchange with their Cuban counterparts at dinners and social events. “We are excited to take these kids to Cuba,” said Dr. Scott Hanlon, President of Chicago KICS Community Academy. Trump Administration officials are stating those who had already booked trips before the new policy takes effect would be able to go ahead with their plans, but future travel would be policed. “We have plans to bring a Cuban team to play at our KICS CUP here in Chicago next year, but with the latest Trump Administration announcement, there is now a black cloud over future opportunities,” added Dr. Hanlon.
Directly after returning from Cuba, KICS will host its 4th Annual International Youth Soccer Cup in Chicago July 5-9, 2017. The KICS Cup will bring together over 100 teams from 10 nations around the world in a competitive soccer match, which takes place in the heart of the city. The tournament allows KICS to further its missions of advancing peace through soccer with competition, camaraderie and cultural exchange. If the world could speak one language, that language would be soccer.
Alderman Pat Dowell will be in attendance on June 21 at 4pm and confirmation from Mayor Rahm Emanuel is forthcoming. Chicago White Sox will be providing gifts to KICS to be given to Cuban youth. Dunbar Park is located at 301 E 31st Street, in Chicago. For more information on the Chicago KICS Community Academy or the 2017 KICS CUP International Youth Soccer Tournament, visit the KICS website at: http://kicschicagosoccer.org.
About the Chicago KICS Community Academy
KICS promotes soccer as an opportunity to build community and empower youth. KICS provides youth soccer programing including boys and girls community soccer, clubs soccer, as well as, initiatives for at risk youth and youth mentorship and employment for over 2000 families in the city of Chicago.
Source: http://www.kicschicagosoccer.org
