BUENA PARK, CA – Buena Park School District’s elementary school students drew thunderous cheers of applause from parents and family members for every goal, blocked shot and kick during the first-ever Superintendent’s Cup soccer tournament on Dec. 3.

The Superintendent’s Cup brought together more than 160 third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students from each of the District’s five elementary schools for a multi-round soccer tournament, aimed at teaching athleticism, perseverance, teamwork and good player conduct.

After 15 games and several penalty kick showdowns, Emery Elementary School walked away as the winners for the third- and fourth-grade divisions, while Gilbert Elementary School was named the winner of the fifth-grade division.

“It feels great to be part of the winner team at our first Superintendent’s Cup – my team is so energetic and happy,” Emery School fourth-grader Charles O. said. “Sometimes we were down on points, but then we got back up and won because we never gave up. Today’s tournament showed that anything is possible if you try. We thought all the teams were better than us, but in the end we won.”

The event was held at the Buena Park High School stadium and was organized through a partnership between the District, Buena Park High School and Pure Games, a non-profit sports program that teaches students about building character through athletics. The event was sponsored by the Buena Park Education Foundation.

“The Superintendent’s Cup has been such a great experience for students, staff members and families – we know that the event has given our students the foundations of teamwork and cooperation,” Director of Educational Programs Seri Hwang said. “I also think they also just had a great time being outdoors during a friendly competition between our schools.”

In addition to an afternoon of soccer matches, guests had the chance to visit educational booths that explored healthy eating and physical fitness, as well as enter drawings to win prizes like soccer balls.

“Everyone had such a phenomenal time at our first Superintendent’s Cup – it was such a pleasure to see all of our families come out to support our student athletes,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “Congratulations to our winning teams and to all of our players – you all played with such heart and made your schools proud.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

SOCCER1: Gilbert Elementary School students hug, cheer and celebrate winning the fifth-grade division of the inaugural Superintendent’s Cup soccer tournament on Dec. 3. More than 160 students participated in the tournament to the delight of community members, family and friends. Emery Elementary School won the third- and fourth-grade divisions.

SOCCER2: Several Corey and Pendleton elementary school students showcase their fancy footwork during a match at the first-ever Superintendent’s Cup soccer tournament on Dec. 3. The day’s event featured 15 soccer matches and several tie-breaker penalty kick showdowns to determine Emery Elementary School as the winner of the third- and fourth-grade divisions and Gilbert Elementary School as the fifth-grade division winner.