WASHINGTON (Sept. 29, 2015) – In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, D.C. United will host the first annual Partido de Estrellas, a celebration that will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, from 1-3 p.m. at Marie Reed Recreation Center, 2200 Champlain Street NW, Washington, D.C. The event, which will benefit the Latino Student Fund of Washington, D.C., is part of D.C. United’s commitment to recognize the culture and contributions made by Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States while also providing educational opportunities for area Latino youth.
The Partido de Estrellas celebration will feature performances and dances by local musical groups, Salvadoran and Mexican Cuisine from El Tamarindo, and music by local area DJ’s. Highlighting the event will be two friendly, 7-v-7 celebrity charity soccer matches that will benefit the Latino Student Fund of Washington, D.C. Teams will be made up of local Latino media members, community leaders, local dignitaries and former D.C. United players. The free event is open to the general public and will bring plenty of fun soccer and cultural related activities for families and children to enjoy.
The mission of the Latino Student Fund (LSF) is to provide opportunities for a strong academic foundation for underserved PreK-12th grade students of Hispanic descent and to promote higher education and professional leadership. The LSF was founded in 1994 by community leaders, educators, and parents who recognized the overwhelming need to combat school dropout rates in the Greater Washington, D.C. Latino community. The organization serves more than 500 students each year across its three programs: the Tutoring Program (a math and literacy program that provides academic support for students in grades PreK-12), LISTO College Access Program (a four-year college prep program for students in grades 9-12), and the Access Program (a program that provides PreK-12th grade private school admissions guidance for parents and students).
Along with the first annual Partido de Estrellas, D.C. United proudly celebrates the Latino community throughout the year. In 2015, the team hosted its second annual Three Kings Day celebration, donating more than 100 toys in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department Latino Liaison Unit. In May, D.C. United co-hosted a health fair with Carlos Rosario Adult Public Charter School. D.C. United has also hosted open practices in the community along with various donation drives benefiting organizations that serve the local area Latino community.
For more information about the Partido de Estrellas event, email D.C. United Director of Community Relations Victor Melara at vmelara@dcunited.com.
