Goya Foods, America’s largest Hispanic owned food company, supports the second annual Philadelphia International Unity Cup soccer tournament as presenting sponsors. The season kicks off on Friday, September 8 with a total of 48 teams representing various countries throughout the city of Philadelphia. The tournament will continue every Saturday and Sunday until the championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 11. The championship game will feature a festival-style tailgate party outside the stadium and a parade of nations with all forty-eight teams before kickoff. The full schedule can be found at unitycup.phila.gov/schedule/.
“Goya is proud to be a part of the Unity Cup for the second year and to celebrate the diversity of this great city through soccer,” said Rafael Toro, Director of Public Relations of Goya Foods. “It’s great to see players and fans of all ethnicities come out to support their teams and their community with such passion and energy.”
Last year, Mayor Kenney presented a proclamation declaring June “Immigrant Heritage Month” in Philadelphia. The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and Department of Parks & Recreation have focused their efforts to better connect Philadelphia’s immigrant communities with each other and with city organizations. The Unity Cup promotes inclusion and celebration of Philadelphia’s diverse community through the love of soccer. “I am excited that Goya Foods decided to return as the presenting sponsor for the Unity Cup and that PECO, the Philadelphia Union, and many others will join them in sponsoring this year’s Unity Cup,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “The excitement, camaraderie, and showmanship I witnessed during last year’s tournament were inspiring. I can’t wait for this season to get started.”
The Unity Cup is one of Mayor Kenney’s signature first-term initiatives, celebrating the city’s rich cultural diversity and focusing on the international appeal of soccer. Goya Foods, America’s largest Hispanic-owned food company, will again serve as the presenting sponsor of the tournament. With the support of Goya Foods, the Unity Cup has become a significant experience for players and spectators across Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia International Unity Cup is managed and organized by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Office of the City Representative, the Office of Arts & Culture, and the Office of Community Services. “Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is thrilled to bring you the Unity Cup once again,” said Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “We understand the influence sports and culture have in our city and we are so excited to connect them together for another tournament.”
“Throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating both our diversity and our shared American heritage,” said Miriam Enriquez, OIA Director. “The Unity cup is a great example of inclusion, tolerance, and peace, all ideas that stand at the center of the Philadelphia story.”
For more information regarding the Philadelphia International Unity Cup please visit: http://unitycup.phila.gov/ or contact the Unity Cup committee via email at PHLUnityCup@phila.gov