Catharsis NYC Blog

Monday was a huge day for us, putting together a press conference at the United Nations to kick off (no pun intended) Copa NYC. Copa NYC is a new soccer tournament we’re launching this July modeled after the World Cup – 16 amateur teams each representing a different nationality and cultural community contributing to NYC’s (and America’s) diversity.

The luncheon/cocktail party event went off without a hitch, hosted by the UN Ambassador of Zambia, Isaiah Chambala, a super friendly dude that opened with a heart-riveting speech about unity. Tommy Smyth, a legendary commentator from ESPN, closed with a fist-pumping podium-smashing speech that sent everyone reeling. The Redbull trick team was there showing off their skills that would make the Harlem Globetrotters proud, and we topped off the event with the traditional ball drop to determine the groupings and first round matchups for the first day of the tournament. Title Sponsor Boost Mobile rep and The teams for this year’s tournament are comprised of some of the best players in the city, so the competition is going to be fierce this first year.

See the full lineup on the official website (also produced by Catharsis) at www.copanyc.us.

Peep some more photos of the event on our photographer Carey Kirkella’s site.