Once again Gibraltar will be hosting the Gareth Cowin Futsal Tournament which makes a welcome return to the Rock this coming weekend, when five teams will battle it out to claim victory in the 5th year of this competition.

The resident, reigning champions Special Olympics Gibraltar will play host to special needs teams from Special Olympics Isle of Man, Liverpool County FA, Warrington Wolves and Algeciras. They will battle it out for the Gareth Cowin Memorial Trophy in a futsal tournament played under UEFA rules in the Tercentenary Sports Hall on Saturday 19th January.

Gareth was an athlete from Special Olympics Isle of Man who passed away after being taken ill at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in South Korea in January 2013 at the young age of 25. He was a popular athlete who loved his football and had represented Special Olympics Isle of Man in numerous tournaments including National Games here in Gibraltar. Gareth’s Father Kevin will be here with the Manx squad.

Local Special Olympics National Director Annie Risso said, “Gareth loved competing in Special Olympics, and his favourite sport was football. Through football he came every year to compete in our National Games. So when SO Isle of Man decided to establish this memorial tournament we were more than happy to be a part of it”.

The event is being supported by the GFA and sponsors include Saccone & Speed, Allied Traders and Gibmaroc.

The tournament kicks off at 9.45 am with old rivals Special Olympics Gibraltar and Special Olympics Isle of Man facing each other in the first of 10 first-round matches. Each match is 15 minutes long and after lunch the top 4 teams will battle it out for a place in the final which is expected to take place around 2.45 pm.

Members of the public, family and friends are warmly invited to watch and support the teams.

images from the last Gareth Cowin Tournament