Community Partners

Open Field celebrates 10 years of Sport for Social Impact with a cultural (virtual) event: Taste of Africa

by
John Krysinsky
October 14, 2020

Photo Courtesy Open Field / Justin Forzano

On Saturday, October 24th, Pittsburgh-based Open Field will celebrate a decade of Sport for Social Impact programming at the 10th edition of their Taste of Africa. The virtual rendition of this annual event will again feature authentic African food, an online auction and the first glimpse of a 10-year documentary they are working on – set to premier to the general public later this year.

“We are making the most of the current situation. Like earlier in the year, when we transitioned to virtual programming to reach youth, we wanted to find a way to continue this Pittsburgh tradition,” Justin Forzano, Founder and CEO said. “Plus, who doesn’t love African food?!”

Participants can expect two types of Cameroonian meals, traditional and vegetarian, available for pick up at locations around the city between 4pm-6pm on the event day. Meals will be refrigerated and ready to take home and reheat for the 7pm welcoming and thanks via Zoom, a celebratory toast to 10 years, and viewing of the mini documentary. A VIP option is available and includes complementary wine or Hopspurs beer from local brewer Headley’s, and 10 year anniversary pint glasses. A snack pack, which includes traditional Cameroonian ‘chewables’ like peanuts, chin chin, and candies, is available for pick up or delivery across the continental USA.

Deadline to order is October 15th at midnight and more information can be found on the TOAH event web page.

About Open Field

Here’s our feature story on Open Field published last December.

From Cameroon to Pittsburgh, Open Field uses soccer for ‘something more’

Open Field’s mission is to improve the lives and futures of youth through sport. Since 2010, Open Field’s global team has engaged more than 4,000 youth in educational soccer programming, mentoring relationships, travel abroad experiences, and cultural exchange in Cameroon, Africa and now Pittsburgh, PA. Our approach to Sport for Good empowers youth to be leaders in their community and gain skills to help them succeed on and off the field.

UPMC Center for Engagement and Inclusion, UPMC Health Plan, and Hefren Tillotson’s ERA Group are the Champion Sponsors for this event.

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).