Over 500 attend annual FOCA basketball tournament

Over 500 attend annual FOCA basketball tournament

The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America’s national basketball tournament, sponsored by the Cleveland “R” Club of Archangel Michael Church here, attracted over 500 participants over the weekend of April 29-May 1, 2011.

Sending teams to the tournament were parishes from Minneapolis, MN; Wheaton, IL; Campbell, OH; Pittsburgh, PA: New Jersey; and Coaldale, PA. The local Saint Paul Greek Orthodox Church also contributed several teams. Age groups ranged from bantam boys and girls to juniors and seniors. Several clergy played a foul-shooting context!

Following Saturday Vespers at Archangel Michael Church, celebrated by Archpriest John Memoriach, host rector, nearly 500 persons were served at a banquet at the parish’s Woodside Party Center, during which all-star awards were presented. A youth dance followed. Tournament participants attended the Sunday Liturgy, celebrated by five priests and three deacons, after which a brunch was held. Plaques and ribbons were awarded to the championship and second-place teams.

Over 500 attend annual FOCA basketball tournament

The annual tournament has become the largest single youth event in the Orthodox Church in America, with most players from OCA parishes.

Tournament cochairs were Becky and Melissa Tesar. FOCA sports director Anthony Schultz and Ken Baron and their committee oversaw the games. FOCA national president Dr. John Schultz welcomed the teams, coaches, other guests.

The 2012 tournament will be held in South River, NJ.

For tournament photos visit www.stmichaelscleveland.org or browse Oca.org’s tournament photo gallery here. For more info on the FOCA visit www.orthodoxfellowship.org.