THIS WEEKEND’S COPA NYC FINALS TO DETERMINE WINNER OF NYC MAYOR’S CUP IN SOCCER AT FLUSHING MEADOWS–CORONA PARK IN QUEENS
—Free Admission to Watch Finalists Representing Argentina, Ireland, Jamaica and Poland Battle for the NYC Mayor’s Cup on Saturday, July 31, and Sunday, August 1—
—Live Broadcast of the Finals on NYC Life (Channel 25)—
New York City (July 27, 2010) — The World Cup might be over, but soccer fever continues in New York City. Back for its second year, COPA NYC finals will take place Saturday, July 31, and Sunday, August 1. COPA NYC is an annual soccer tournament consisting of players from across New York City’s five boroughs representing their national and cultural communities. In partnership with NYC & Company, NYC Media and the United Nations, the COPA NYC champion will be awarded the NYC Mayor’s Cup and claim the title of best soccer team in New York City.
“New York City is the world’s second home, and COPA NYC showcases the City’s great diversity and everything New York City has to offer,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “We encourage visitors and New Yorkers alike to go to Queens to cheer on their favorite teams.”
The amateur soccer tournament began on July 24 with 16 national teams. Four teams have now qualified for the semifinal matches: NYC Argentina, NYC Ireland, NYC Jamaica and NYC Poland. The tournament winner will be awarded the NYC Mayor’s Cup, earning the title of the best soccer team in New York City. Last year the title went to NYC Albania. Semifinals are scheduled to take place at 1pm and 3pm Saturday, July 31, at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. The final match will be at 4pm Sunday, August 1. Admission is free to all games.
“COPA NYC is a great community and sporting event that allows hundreds of people to participate and thousands more to enjoy,” said Joe Fraga of COPA NYC. “We are looking forward to this weekend and finding out who will be the best team and walk away with the NYC Mayor’s Cup.”
For those who cannot make it to Queens, NYC Life (Channel 25) will air the championship game live on Sunday, August 1.
“Airing the Mayor’s Cup COPA NYC finals live on NYC Life is a big win for us,” said Todd Asher, chief operating officer of NYC Media. “”With no expense to the taxpayer, we will be able to show a fun sporting event to New Yorkers that highlights the diversity and richness of the people of New York’s neighborhoods.”
The NYC Mayor’s Cup series encompasses a variety of sports throughout the year, including track and field, cross-country running, lacrosse, baseball, cycling, soccer, kayaking, wrestling, rugby, chess, wheelchair basketball and table tennis. The new NYC Mayor’s Cup series was created by NYC & Company’s Sports Marketing division, which was formed in December 2008 as a result of the New York City Sports Commission’s integration under the NYC & Company umbrella. This integration has allowed the group to enhance the level of support that the Sports Commission provides to the local sports community and to create original sporting events across New York City’s five boroughs.
For more information about COPA NYC, visit nycgo.com/sports or copanyc.us.
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide.
For more press inquiries please contact Marjan Inbar at 212.484.1270 or minbar@nycgo.com.