Sam Kulikov, a sophomore Jewish student at the University of Kansas and a member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue, is organizing a soccer tournament to honor the memory of his friend, Cady Housh, and her friend, Ciara Webb, both high school soccer players who committed suicide a year ago. “What better way to honor their memory than by playing the game they love,” he writes on the soccer tourney’s evite page. Through this tournament Kulikov hopes to also raise awareness for suicide prevention. All monies raised through the tournament will support Suicide Awareness Survivor Support (SASS) and other suicide prevention organizations in the metro area. SASS is a non-profit support group for those affected by a suicide started by and led in the greater Kansas City area by Bonnie Swade. The tournament takes place Nov. 21.
Kulikov said he feels this event is necessary because suicide is a contemporary societal issue that requires attention.
“Teen suicide is an issue that causes immense pain amongst the survivors, a pain that is ultimately avoidable I believe. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}Our upcoming project One Goal will help to provide awareness and education so that communities like ours can set a standard. This standard can hopefully be integrated into schools and universities in an effort to show all young men and women that they are not alone and their community stands behind them.”
He said it’s hard to organize an event such as this while being a full-time student.
“However, with the help of my other organizers we’re able to create an event that not only raises awareness but also provides a positive outlet to express feelings of love and joy through the spirit of these two young ladies,” he said.
For more information email or go to Facebook and search One Goal for Cady & Ciara.{/mprestriction}
