WASHINGTON, D.C. - Jaime Moreno and D.C. United today announced plans to organize and support "The Nicole Megaloudis Cup," a local soccer tournament taking place August 13 and 14 at Franklin Park in Purcellville, VA. The event will benefit "The Nicole Megaloudis Foundation," a non-profit foundation providing scholarships for local athletes. A silent auction will also be held during the tournament to benefit the cause. The Foundation and the tournament are in memory of Nicole Megaloudis, who was tragically killed in a car accident on February 9, 2004.
"Louise and I hope to make this a weekend to remember for the children in our community," said United forward Jaime Moreno. "This will be a weekend of fun and entertainment for the entire family. We were devastated by the loss of Nicole and the grief that her family suffered. Our wish is to honor Nicole's memory by supporting her dreams through the Nicole Megaloudis Foundation."
The two-day, "Let's Make It Happen," tournament is a 4v4 competition. Each team is limited to a maximum of seven players. The tournament will begin at 8:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday and will consist of boys and girls teams ages U9 and up. Teams are guaranteed three games and will be offered a free ticket to a future D.C. United 2005 regular season match. The silent auction will take place during the tournament and will include various prizes: a one-week stay at a resort in the Bahamas, D.C. United player's autographed jerseys, an autographed Philadelphia Eagles football, private lessons from Jaime Moreno, the presence of Nick Rimando at your child's private birthday celebration and a five day stay at a private golf course in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Nicole was the daughter of Gail Megaloudis Rongen, former assistant to Bruce Arena, U.S. Men's National Teach Coach. Thomas Rongen, Nicole's stepfather, is a former Dutch Olympian, professional soccer player and coach of D.C. United. He most recently coached Chivas USA, where he is now the Sporting Director. Nicole was a student at Virginia Commonwealth University and a Potomac Falls soccer standout. She had been training for two years in an effort to earn a spot on Greece's National Team and compete in the Olympic Games in Athens in August 2004.
For more information or to make donations for the silent auction, please visit www.nicolecup.com or contact Louise Moreno at 703-966-2739 or nicolecup@yahoo.com. The Nicole Megaloudis Foundation is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID #20-0857290.
