CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – June 30, 2008 – The Congolese Community of Chicago (C.C.C./D.R.C.) will host a soccer tournament which will bring together teams from Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, California, and New York on July 3-5, 2008. This will be to commemorate 48 years of independence for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The soccer tournament is jointly organized with the Association Sportive Congolaise (ASCO), a national association of Congolese soccer teams in the United States. Soccer games will take place at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois while social and cultural events will be held at Chicago Marriott O’Hare, in Chicago, Illinois. The opening ceremony will take place Thursday, July 3rd at 7:30 PM in the Ballroom of Chicago Marriott O’Hare. 

“The Congolese Community of Chicago is honored to host hundreds of Congolese and Congolese-Americans from across the country as we celebrate 48 years of independence for our motherland and reflect upon its future,” said David M. Bamlango, President of the Congolese Community of Chicago.

For additional information about the three-day celebration or to schedule an interview, contact Patrick Ntula or visit www.congochicago.org.

ABOUT C.C.C./D.R.C. – The Congolese Community of Chicago is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in the state of Illinois and exempted from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. Its mission is to facilitate the integration of Congolese immigrants and refugees into the American society while serving as a window into the rich cultures of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The three-day celebrations will include football matches, BBQ, followed by dance parties every night.

The festivities are open to the public, so come join the fun in celebrating the 48 years of independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Thurs, 07/03/2008
 •  1:00pm – 6:00pm: Games, BBQ & Music (Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Rd, Palatine.)
 •  8:00pm – 12:00am: Official Kick-Off Dance
 (Marriott O’Hare – Ballroom, 8535 W. Higgins Rd, Chicago.)
 

Fri, 07/04/2008
 •  9:00am – 6:00pm: Game, BBQ & Music (Harper College)
 •  8:00pm – 12:00am: Cultural & Festive Activities / Dance (Marriott O’Hare - Ballroom)
 

Sat, 07/05/2008
 •  2:oopm – 6:00pm: Final Games, BBQ & Music (Harper College)
 •  8:00pm – 2:00am: Last Day Party (El Patron Banquet Hall – 2755 Washington St, Waukegan, IL. $10 cover charge.)
 
  For more information, contact:

Patrick Ntula - (414) 617-0503    David Bamlango - (312) 218-8477

Guy Matundu – (773) 750-5105   Gothier Mutombo - (571) 338-2149

Junior Kikama – (630) 205-9789    Didier Mbuyamba – (240) 765-2072

Willy Mantua – (630) 456-0039   Euloge Makombo – (917) 647-8748

Carine kemakuko (630) 335-9453      Guy Lendo – (301) 693-3228