Toys spread cheer for 2,500

WEST VALLEY CITY — Maybe he's not ready to do a bicycle kick, but 8-year-old Thomas Retamales proudly held his new soccer ball Tuesday with dreams of someday playing Major League Soccer.

Retamales was one of about 2,500 children who received donated toys at the International Christmas Celebration at the E Center.

He also met Real Salt Lake midfielder Leslie "Tiger" Fitzpatrick, who was on hand to sign player cards.

"He's excited," Retamales' father, Julian, said. "I like that they do this for Latin people."

Fitzpatrick said the event was an opportunity to let children know that soccer scholarships and professional careers are a reachable goal.

"It's great. I was in their place nine, 10 years ago, aspiring to be a professional soccer player," said the 27-year-old Fitzpatrick, who grew up in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and is a member of the Trinidad & Tobago national team.

The event was the 10th and largest such event organized by Kiko Cornejo, director of the Utah Latino Community Center. Multiple law enforcement agencies and the Great Salt Lake Council of the Boy Scouts of America were among groups that volunteered to help out. More than 600 performers from various cultures performed at the event, aimed at bringing people together to celebrate Christmas.

"This is the most support we have seen ever," said Scoutreach director Tony Yapias.

Volunteer Patricia Cansino of the family literacy program Even Start West said this was the third year she's helped distribute the toys.

"I just love the kids' smiles," Cansino said. "It just brings our whole community together."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com