The Robbie International
Soccer Tournament is still going strong after 43 years.
The late John Wimbs founded the tournament and
named it after his son Robbie who suffered from cystic
fibrosis (CF).
It has grown from a tournament of eight teams to
more than 200 and has raised $1.35 million for CF
research.
Though diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at a time
when many victims did not survive much beyond childhood,
Robbie Wimbs lived to the age of 33. He died in December
of 1996.
John Wimbs died in 2004.
The Wimbs were given a star on the Scarborough
Walk of Fame in 2008.
At the time, John Wimbs Jr. said his father would
have been proud to have been honoured by Scarborough.
"He was always very civic-minded," said John Wimbs,
Jr. "I think he would just be thrilled. I'm just over
the moon."
He said his father was thrilled with the success
of the Robbie and enjoyed watching it grow over the
years.
Mike Ellis, director of the Robbie International
Tournament, said the continued success of the tournament
is based on quality soccer, its charity involvement and
the fact the City partners with them.
"The Robbie has retained the reputation of the
premiere youth soccer tournament of the summer," he
said.
"Everyone who knows soccer thinks of the Robbie.
It's maintained that status since 1967."
Its success is also because of its volunteers, he
added.
"We have about 300 who come out," he said. "We
couldn't exist without the help from Scarborough soccer
clubs. We go to them to do the convening."
He also
gives credit to the referees who donate their time at
the tournament.
"They've
never been paid in 43 years," he said. "That's
absolutely unheard of. They're our partners. We couldn't
do it without them. They're our most important
volunteers."
This year's event will be held July 2 to 5 with
225 teams lined up to play. The Robbie Mini-Soccer
Festival is planned for June 26 and 27. About 50 or 60
kids under nine years old participate.
"It's all about the kids having fun," he said.
"There's a parade, the kids play some soccer and the
event raises money for charity."
This year's tournament is expected to raise
$50,000.
For more information on the tournament visit their
website at
www.robbiesoccertournament.com