Benson Centre Hosts Cornwall Minor Lacrosse Tournament
July 12, 2013Cornwall Ontario – Over 500 lacrosse players will converge on the Benson Centre this weekend for the 13th annual Cornwall Minor Lacrosse Tournament.
A total of 33 teams will be competing in the three-day tournament in the Tyke, Novice, Pewee, Bantam and Midget divisions. Local teams from Cornwall and Akwesasne will go up against challengers from across Ontario, including some from as far away as Sarnia, Orangeville, Milton, Brampton, Six Nations, Toronto and Oshawa.
“It’s a good run-up to the provincials in August,” said Vicki Akins, Tournament Convener, noting the local teams will get to face off against teams outside of their zone.
The action got underway on Thursday evening and will continue throughout Saturday and Sunday at Pads 1 and 2 of the Benson Centre, with some additional games being played at the Char-Lan Recreation Centre in Williamstown.
“This tournament will generate significant economic spin-offs for our community and attract a large number of visitors to our City,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the warm hospitality and excellent quality of life that Cornwall is known for.”
Play begins on Saturday and Sunday at 8 am at the Benson Centre, and the finals for each of the divisions will be held on Sunday afternoon, beginning at 1 pm. Residents are welcome to attend and take in the action in person.
In addition to some great lacrosse, visitors to the Benson Centre will also be greeted with some entertainment courtesy of 11-year-old drummer Darius Parsons. After losing his grandmother and grandfather to cancer, the young musician started raising money for cancer research by playing drums and collecting donations at various locations. Over the past four years, he has raised over $14,000. Mr. Parsons will be performing outside of the Benson Centre on Saturday afternoon.
Local dairy farmers have once again stepped up to serve as a major tournament sponsor, and some 2,500 cartons of chocolate milk will be distributed to players as post-game treats throughout the event.