Gonzalez family to attend; memorial to kick off three-day event with peace, unity
During the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Showcase, a partnership between the city of Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club, the U17 Sagebrush Soccer Club United Red 98 from Reno, Nevada, team is set to play the U17 Team LA 59-62 from France as the first game of the tournament.
Just days after the Nov. 13 Paris attacks, the French team decided to plan something special to honor those who were injured or lost their lives. Together, the French team and the U.S. team will show that – even in competition – they stand in solidarity and global friendship and peace with one another.
Presented on the three-month anniversary of the attacks, the presentation and memorial will take place before the first game of the tournament Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex, Field #2, 7353 Eugene Ave.
The family of Nohemi Gonzalez, the American killed in one of six terrorist actions, is expected to attend the memorial. The 23-year-old California State University, Long Beach college student was studying abroad in Paris at the Strate College of Design at the time of the attacks.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THE MORNING OF FEB. 13:
8:45 a.m. Field opens to ceremony attendees
8:57 a.m. French delegation and American delegation enter with city of Las Vegas representatives, tournament director Roger Tabor and the family of Nohemi Gonzalez
9 a.m. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman speaks
9:05 a.m. French and Reno coaches speak
9:07 a.m. French team sings French national anthem, “La Marseillaise”
9:10 a.m. American team sings “The Star-Spangled Banner”
9:13 a.m. French team presents wreath to coach of U.S. team
9:15 a.m. Mayor Goodman kicks off the start of the 9th Annual Mayor’s Cup International Showcase
10 a.m.: Sagebrush Soccer Club United Red 98 from Reno, Nevada, team and Team LA 59-62 from France compete