Mark this soccer tourney as a 'must'
From the Providence Journal,
Wednesday, March 5, 2003
Story by Joe Hatton
As the snow that blanketed the state during February now begins to melt, it seems like a good opportunity to remind soccer players across the region that one of the biggest amateur tournaments in New England is again slated to take place this spring.
On Memorial Day weekend (May 24-25), the Seventh Annual Joe Strauss Invitational Tournament will be held at the Fish Hill Field Complex in Coventry.
For the last six years thousands of soccer players, parents and local supporters have been involved with this amazing event. Balancing the competitive action on the field with a fun, family- oriented atmosphere, this tournament is one that youngsters and older players alike make a point to come to, not only to enjoy, but to learn as well.
The event's primary sponsor is the Coventry Soccer Association, but it is also supported strongly by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Coventry Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force, and DARE. Such organizations have been involved in the tournament since it began in 1997 because of the commitment of its founders to combating underage drinking.
The tournament was established by Steve and JoEllen Horowitz and named in memory of their son, Joe Strauss, who died in an automobile accident on Mother's Day in 1996. A former star for the Coventry Soccer Association, Strauss was also a key player on the Coventry High School varsity soccer team. An only child and a student at the Community College of Rhode Island, Joe, 19, was a passenger in a car driven by his best friend, who was 20 years old and intoxicated.
Given that Joe was a passionate soccer player, his parents created the tournament to give back to his hometown soccer program. They also established the Joe Strauss Foundation in his memory to provide scholarships and support programs to educate adolescents on the dangers of underage drinking.
Speaking at this year's tournament, in addition to representatives from MADD, DARE and the Coventry Substance Abuse Taskforce, will be Sen. Jack Reed.
The event has achieved many accomplishments through the years.
Among them, the creation of CD-ROMs, produced by MADD in 1999, that help parents talk to their children about drinking. The tourney also generated enough money that year to fund the development of a video produced in conjunction with the Attorney General's office that talked to children about underage drinking and teen violence.
As the tournament's founders are quick to point out, such accomplishments have been made possible by the support that participants and financial backers have shown to this event.
Hoping to continue this great cause, the Horowitz family is again looking for sponsors for this year's tournament. Those interested can contact Steve Horowitz at (401) 471-6060 during the day, and during the evening at (401) 822-2922. Steve can also be reached by e-mail at shorowitz@stelizabethcommunity.com.
There are still plenty of open spots for teams to participate in this year's tournament; those interested can register by phone, or online at www.joestraussfoundation.com.
Some age groups are filling up faster than others, and the tourney is still seeking teams in the Under-10 through Under-14 age groups for both boys and girls. Girls' teams in the Under-19 division are also encouraged to join. Not only will players and parents be treated to plenty of soccer action, but this unique event will also educate both on a very important topic.
Since Joe's death, his mother, JoEllen has made it her mission to inform young people and their parents about the risks of underage drinking. In addition to working for the tournament year-round by designing T-shirts, creating the ad book, and rounding up volunteers, JoEllen's principle focus is to deliver a distinctly direct message: We have a problem with our children and alcohol.
A member of the Governor's Task Force on Underage Drinking, JoEllen has received the Bernadette Markshak Hero Award from Coventry Middle School and has spoken to parents and their children at middle schools and high schools in East Greenwich, Exeter, West Greenwich, Coventry, Lincoln, Warwick and other communities. She has spoken to innumerable Substance Abuse Task Forces, and has been a prominent voice at local and regional Youth to Youth Conferences and MADD Teen Spirit meetings.
Among the many credits she has garnered while fighting for her cause, JoEllen's most notable accomplishment could quite possibly be the tremendous response she has gotten from her target audience.
Kids confide in JoEllen about what really goes on, said Steve Horowitz, Joe's stepfather. She has befriended so many that some even call her at home.
The soccer tournament continues to afford JoEllen an excellent opportunity to get her message across, but the work that she commits herself to can be frustrating at times. According to her husband, though, despite any disappointments that may arise, it's hard to get discouraged when an 8-year-old says to his wife, "Mrs. H., I'm sorry about what happened to Joey."
