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Winnipeg, MB - The memory of accomplished soccer player, coach and mentor Riccardo De Thomasis is being honoured with a park and soccer field named after him.
After a courageous three-year battle with cancer, De Thomasis, 34, passed away on April 25, 2013. In 2012, De Thomasis received the Mayor’s Volunteer Service Award for his contribution to youth recreation in Winnipeg.
“As a coach and a dedicated volunteer, Riccardo De Thomasis made a tremendous difference in the lives of many young Winnipeggers and their families,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “I hope that Riccardo’s legacy and his love of the sport will continue to inspire all who play in this park.”
Riccardo De Thomasis Park, formerly known as Ashworth Park, is located adjacent to Ecole Julie Riel in St. Vital and contains a full size soccer pitch and several mini-soccer pitches on site.
De Thomasis' life passion was soccer. His love for the game began when he started playing in the Fort Garry community at the young age of six. His game developed as a teenager and by early adulthood he became a provincial elite player. It was his passion for the sport and his community that caught the attention of St. Vital Councillor Brian Mayes, who first initiated the idea for the park to be renamed in De Thomasis’ honour.
“Tonight the mini-soccer program begins its 20th season, and while Riccardo is no longer at the helm, our ceremony here today honours his legacy to the young people of Winnipeg” said Mayes, a parent of mini-soccer players and a former mini-soccer coach in De Thomasis’ program.
“The De Thomasis family is honoured to have a city park and soccer field named in Riccardo's memory. It's great to have Riccardo's contributions to the community and his dedication to developing young athletes recognized,” said brother Enrico De Thomasis. “Riccardo would have accepted the honour with a great sense of pride and dignity. The park will be a special reminder of Riccardo, a place where his memory and legacy can continue to live on."
De Thomasis played primarily with Winnipeg's Ital-Inter Soccer Club while managing and running indoor soccer programs at the Soccer Spectrum, as well as the Calcetto summer soccer league. De Thomasis devoted his career to coaching child, youth, and adult soccer for 17 years. His business, The Winnipeg Indoor Mini Soccer League was his pride and joy.