Thousands of players and spectators are expected for a major soccer fest tomorrow (Saturday) in aid of a Coquitlam-based charity that raises funds for paediatric cancer research.
The ninth annual Kick for a Cure begins at 9 a.m. at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam Town Centre Park, with proceeds going to the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program at BC Children's Hospital.
Spokesperson Gloria Cuccione said the fest has reaped more than $500,000 to date. It was started by Port Moody resident Nuvin Runghen in response to his young son's diagnosis; today, Domenic, 12, is cancer free and on the youth select team for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Cuccione, whose son beat cancer twice but died in 2001 from complications related to the disease and a car crash, said "while we've got a long way to go, we have to look at how far we have come. I believe Michael would have made it today because of the progress happening."
Bob Lenarduzzi, president of the Vancouver Whitecaps, is this year's Kick spokesperson and will open the soccer fest at around 1 p.m.
Cuccione said more teams are on the field than ever before including for the adult tournament, youth friendly matches and kids' clinic, the latter two run by the Coquitlam Metro Ford Soccer Club Academy coaches and Whitecaps members.
As well, there will be a youth invitational to honour Domenic Mobilio, the late Whitecaps player (who died from a heart attack in 2004) and a cousin of Michael Cuccione.
As of Thursday, the ninth Kick for a Cure had brought in more than $86,000.
• Sponsored in part by The Tri-City News, Kick for a Cure is an all-day event on July 23 at Percy Perry Stadium (1299 Pinetree Way) and includes the Canadian Tire Family Fun Zone, prizes and a beer garden. Visit kickforacure.ca.
