Folsom, PA - A beautiful spring day was the perfect backdrop for a great day of competition as the HEADstrong Foundation™ presented the Inaugural Relentless Cup on Saturday, April 6th. The Relentless Cup™ is new annual event for the organization with proceeds supporting Nick's House™, the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma Research Fund and HEADstrong Foundation's service offering. The event featured an interstate youth lacrosse component which featured: Clearview Youth, Huntingtown Youth, Ridley Youth and Rockville Centre Youth Lacrosse; high school games showcasing Ridley versus Avon Grove and was headlined by Hofstra University taking on Saint Joseph's University for the coveted Relentless Cup. The event gathered over 3,500 spectators and helped HEADstrong to score over $31,000 for their fight against blood cancer.
The event had a festival-like atmosphere with teams, boosters and families coming together to celebrate the game and support the HEADstrong mission. The idea for the Relentless Cup was conceptualized by HEADstrong Director of Development, Pat Colleluori, who was looking to create a special event during the regular lacrosse season.
"Our goal in hosting the Relentless Cup outside of raising funds to support our service offering was to involve programs in an inspirational event which showcased the game at all levels, helping to bridge the gap between the communities that mean so much to our organization and our family. We were really taken back to see Nick's alma matre's: Ridley Youth, Ridley High School and Hofstra University taking the field during this special event, it was a bit emotional but empowering at the same time." says Colleluori
The high school games were intense pinning Ridley High School versus Avon Grove. Avon Grove boys lacrosse pulled out a 6-4 victory over the Central League power. Prior to the game Avon Grove led by Coach Eric Jackson presented a check for $1078 to the HEADstrong Foundation. Additionally, Ridley girls lacrosse made a statement winning 13-5 over Avon Grove.
And while there was lots of excitement surrounding the games throughout the day, all eyes were on the CAA conference game in which Hofstra defeated the Hawks of Saint Joseph's, 15-1 claiming the Relentless Cup under the lights at Phil Marion Field on Saturday evening. A huge crowd of spectators, alumni, students and families turned out for the game. The Saint Joseph's Hawk was even seen flapping his wings during the game.
"It was rather fitting that Nick's beloved Hofstra University was the first team to win the Relentless Cup. We did not know what to anticipate with this new event. It was incredible to see our vision come to fruition, helping to establish a new tradition and a new event during the regular lacrosse season. The weather turned out to be beautiful and the positive energy surrounding the event was contagious. We hope that everyone involved with the Relentless Cup had a wonderful team building experience for your players, parents and program. It was amazing to share this special day with everyone. We wish to thank everyone who was involved with the event for making today such a great one. We are looking forward to next year."
Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick's Mom.
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