The Select Team will feature some of the best players of Haitian origin from Quebec and the United States, as well as up-and-coming players from the Haitian Football Federation national program.
For Nick Filippone, the Impacts Vice-President, Technical and Finances, this friendly game is a logical extension of the teams mission.
"The Montreal Impact has always strived to get involved in the community. Because the Haitian community is one of the most dynamic in the world of soccer in our province, it is with pride and honour that we have accepted to take part in an event designed to celebrate Haitis Bicentennial," said Mr. Filippone.
"Football has played an important role in the history and the pride of the Haitian people. That is why we want to mark the Bicentennial festivities, in Montreal, with this game against the Montreal Impact, our local professional sports team," said Roldy Théodore, the coordinator for the events organizing committee.
In addition to its symbolic and patriotic value, this game also has significance for the Haitian Football Federation because it will allow certain of its young players to acquire international experience at a time when Haiti is trying to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, to be played in 2006 in Germany.
Tickets for the game, which is organized by the Théodore Marketing company, are available by calling at 514-823-0966.
The Impact will play its season opener on Sunday, April 25 in Puerto Rico, against the Islanders. The home opener at Claude Robillard Stadium will be on Sunday, May 16 at 4 pm against the Virginia Beach Mariners.
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SOURCE:
bcomm
INFO:
Stéphane Banfi
514-328-3668 (ext. 27)