The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission announced a new partnership with Cleveland Indians Charities, naming them the title sponsor of the Continental Cup International Youth Baseball Tournament. In its inaugural year, the Cleveland Indians Charities Continental Cup is estimating 12 teams (U14) from around the world will participate in the tournament scheduled from July 2 - 5 at Euclid Memorial Park located on 22800 Fox Avenue in Euclid, Ohio. The final championship game will be played at Progressive Field following the Cleveland Indians baseball game on Sunday, July 5th. All tournament games are free and open to the public.

“Cleveland Indians Charities is very excited to partner with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission on this initiative,” said Cleveland Indians Charities Board President Bob DiBiasio. “The Cleveland Indians Charities Continental Cup further solidifies CIC’s mission of providing youth with educational and recreational opportunities through creative partnerships.”

The Cleveland Indians Charities Continental Cup is one of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission’s annual proprietary events, combining competitive international baseball with cultural exchange, entertainment, attractions, shopping and exciting activities. Participating athletes will have the chance of a lifetime to play competitive baseball against some of the top teams from countries such as Lithuania, Pakistan, the Dominican Republic and from across the United States.

“The Cleveland Indians have always been supportive of our efforts and we are thrilled that they are partnering with us on this event,” said David Gilbert, President & CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

The Cleveland Indians Charities Continental Cup is an extension of the AC Milan Continental Cup, one of the fastest growing international youth soccer tournaments in the nation. The Continental Cup was originally developed in response to the great success of the 2004 International Children’s Games which ushered over 2,500 athletes from 50 different countries to Cleveland to participate in Olympic-style sporting events. The Continental Cup Tournament also conveys a spirit of global unity and is expected to bring an estimated 8,000 traveling athletes, coaches and spectators and a positive economic impact to surpass $5 million.

“Since its inception in 2006, the AC Milan Continental Cup has really grown and continues to impact our community in a positive way. The addition of the Cleveland Indians Charities Continental Cup is really the first step in developing this into a true international youth sports festival with more sports to be added in upcoming years,” stated David Gilbert.