Friday July 19 the Kadima Tzoran Football Club from Israel arrived in Chicago to take part in the Chicago KICS Cup Soccer Tournament.  Now in it's 2nd year Chicago KICS is an international soccer tournament held on the soccer fields at Dunbar Vocational High School at 3000 S. King Dr. in Chicago.  Over 50 teams participated including several from Sister Cities of Chicago.  The Israeli boys had an awesome time and beside placing second in their division they were able to enjoy Chicago and attended Opening Ceremonies at the Pritzker Pavilion of Millennium Park, and Closing Ceremonies complete with fireworks at the 31st St. beach, and even went to a White Sox game.

 

Sixteen 14 year old boys plus seven coaches, club personnel, and chaperonse stayed at the International Village on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology.

 

The Petach Tikva Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International Program greeted the team when they arrived on Friday July 19 and joined the team for a Shabbat service and meal.  Then, after the tournament ended Saturday July 25 members of the committee threw a Chicago deep dish pizza party for the kids.  In turn the Israeli organizer, Shahar Yellin, and coaches presented Kadima Tzoran flags to the committee members.  Pictures are attached.  Chicago committee members and friends pictured include Michael Schmitt, Diane Gold, Dan Shure (Committee Chairman), and Dan Sabol.