2008 Spring Sports Tournament in Review
by Nick Avramaut, National A.R.O.Y. Sports Co-Chairman

The weekend of May 2-4, 2008, the Grand-R.O.Y. Chapter of Annunciation Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, welcomed us as they hosted their first National A.R.O.Y. event, the 2008 Spring Sports Tournament.  The weekend was well-attended and enjoyed by representatives from A.R.O.Y. Chapters in Cleveland, Akron & Youngstown, Ohio; Southfield/Detroit & Dearborn Heights, Michigan; and Chicago, Illinois.

On Friday night, Fr. Frunza, the host parish priest, welcomed us to his parish and Fr. Berger, National Spiritual Advisor, offered a prayer before the weekend got underway.  On Saturday morning, we met at the gym of Grand Valley State University and, after a long day of competition, the team representing the Sts. Peter & Paul A.R.O.Y. Chapter of Dearborn Heights claimed both championships.  Later that night, after vespers, the parish hosted team members and guests to a cook-out, and then the participants danced well into the night.

Sunday saw the church filled with most, if not all, of the tournament participants from the day before.  I was very pleased to see that our efforts to encourage all the players to stay for all events of the weekend are showing positive results.  After a short meal, National A.R.O.Y. President Lisa Nemes, together with Sports Co-Chairmen Michael Pac-Urar & Nick Avramaut, presented the awards for both the MVP’s and championship teams, after which Fr. Frunza thanked the gathering for their support before we all got on our way.

Thank you to Missy Neuman of Cleveland for officiating the volleyball games; Nick Avramaut Sr. for being our basketball referee; David Cook for supplying the music Saturday night; the entire Grand Rapids parish, A.R.O.Y. Chapter, parents, cooks and Fr. Frunza for their efforts in hosting the tournament; and above all, thank you to those who made the trip up north to make this tournament a successful one.

A message from the National A.R.O.Y. President, Lisa Nemes
As A.R.O.Y. President, I would like to sincerely thank and commend all of the A.R.O.Y. members and parents who participated in the previous 2008 Spring Sports Tournament.  Your involvement in all of the weekend activities planned so nicely by the host chapter, Grand-R.O.Y., was an example of how all A.R.O.Y. events should be attended.  I am very proud to say that almost all of the faces seen during the Saturday morning basketball and volleyball games were again seen at church for the Vespers service and the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy.  Thank you for your FULL participation in the weekend.  I look forward to seeing the same participation at the 2008 A.R.O.Y. Conference in Detroit.

		The teams present had a lot of fun competing for the trophies in both sports.
		"Rivals on the court" continue their friendships off the court.
		The team representing the host chapter, Grand-R.O.Y., pauses for a photo.
		The volleyball action continues.
		That evening, the church was full for Great Vespers.
		Rev. Fr. Calinic (Berger), National A.R.O.Y. Spiritual Advisor, delivering a sermon.
		That evening, a dinner and dance was hosted in the parish hall.
		Enjoying dancing into the night.
		Sunday morning, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at Annunciation Church.
		Rev. Fr. Anton Frunza, host priest, delivers the sermon during the Liturgy and welcomes all the guests on behalf of the Annunciation parish community.
		Following the Divine Liturgy, everyone was invited to stay for a luncheon in the parish hall.
		After the lunch, the All-star, MVP and Championship trophies were distributed. Congratulations to all the winners!
		All the participants pose for a group photo in front of the church before saying their goodbyes and return home.