Independence Dedicate Saturday's Game to Leonel
March 19, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release
Charlotte (NC) - The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the club will remember Leonel Sanchez at the Saturday, March 23rd game versus Atlanta United 2. On January 2nd, 2019, a house fire in east Charlotte took the lives of Ana Sanchez and her three children, 9-year-old Leonel Sanchez, 2-year-old Aranza Sanchez and 4-month-old Axel Camilo Mendez Sanchez
The students of Briarwood Elementary will honor Leonel by dedicating two soccer goals in his memory. The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team will dedicate Saturday's game to Leonel and aid in fundraising for the memorial through accepted donations, t-shirt sales and a portion of ticket sales versus Atlanta United 2.
"Our plan is to erect goal posts in honor of Leonel" said Ms. Polito, Leonel's 3rd Grade Teacher. "We plan to put them in our back field beside the playground, along with a plaque. We are hoping to have an unveiling whereby his family and friends can come along to an afternoon of remembrance."
The soccer goals not only act as a visual memorial for Leonel, but also a way to remember his love for soccer. Classmates and friends said they will miss playing soccer with him at recess and using these goals will be able to help keep his memory alive.
"Leonel was not just a 3rd grade student at Briarwood," said Polito. "He is so much more than that. When speaking to all 40 of my students about their thoughts and feelings on Leonel's passing, they said that they never wanted to forget him. They still write Leonel notes and leave them in his desk during reading class. They wanted a picture set up in both classes as to ensure he would still be a part of our daily school life."
Proceeds of tickets purchased through www.groupmatics.events/event/briarwoodstrong will fund the soccer goals. Additional proceeds will be collected at the Independence's match on Saturday through cash and card donations and t-shirt sales at the merchandise stand.
"I am advocating not only to help my students wish to remember a lost friend and classmate," said Polito, "but also for Leonel who's humor, intelligence, sarcasm, and protectiveness shall not be forgotten."
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