One of CASL's New Year's resolutions is to share the different ways that CASL is a presence within our community. Fortunately, we have resources in our players, teams, coaches and club that even allow CASL to have an impact at the international level. Many of our teams compete in international competition and many international teams often make their way to the CASL visitRaleigh.com National Soccer Series. We are fortunate to have an international spotlight, and we continue to build this foundation through community assists at the international level.
Recently, Arunava (Ron) Sanyal, who is part of CASL's FIFA Fair Play Diversity Committee and is instrumental in bringing CASL's Friendship Cup to life each summer, spent time in Pandua, West Bengal helping host a futbol carnival/celebration for youth.
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| Ron with participants in the carnival/festival |
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| Ron Sanyal (left) |
CASL also recently donated 291 lbs of gently used soccer equipment to Helping Haiti and Soccer (HANDS). This equipment was collected through the donation bins located at WRAL Soccer Center. HANDS supplies orphanages, impoverished children, and abandoned youth of Haiti the opportunity to experience the game of soccer. CASL donated equipment, including soccer balls, clothes, old jerseys/shorts, socks, and cleats will be donated to orphanages, soccer teams and clubs in Haiti. Thanks to all of you who donated your gently used soccer gear. We will continue to update you on where your donations go throughout this year!
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Community Outreach Manager, Martin Rodriguez-Arispe,
helped execute the donation to HANDS |
CASL HEART players and their families were invited to a Carolina Hurricanes game recently to be Cam's Champs. This is a particularly close initiative to my heart as I used to work at the Carolina Hurricanes and coordinate these player charity suites. Cam Ward (#30), goalie for the Carolina Hurricanes, is an extremely generous guy who has been an advocate and supporter for athletes with special needs. His charity suite at the Hurricanes is dedicated to giving these athletes the experience they deserve and to bring awareness to all the programs who serve these athletes. The charity suite consists of tickets to a 12-seat luxury suite at the PNC arena (including parking passes and some food!). The athletes who are invited to the free suite night at the 'Canes game received a gift bag, got to meet the Carolina Hurricanes Storm Squad (pictured) and they are featured on the video board during the game. As you can see from these pictures, the group that went the other night had a GREAT time, were decked out in their CASL gear, and had prepared signs in advance to cheer on their new favorite player - Cam Ward! We've got a few other dates lined up where other HEART athletes will get the opportunity to attend a Hurricanes game, so we'll be sure to keep you in the loop with those experiences. Special thanks to the generosity of Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes for providing this opportunity to CASL HEART athletes.
