Charlotte Independence Dedicates Game To Child Killed In East Charlotte House Fire

Caryn Little,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team says they will remember Leonel Sanchez at their game on Saturday, March 23rd versus Atlanta United 2.

Nine-year-old Sanchez, his mother, Ana Sanchez, and two of his siblings, 2-year-old Aranza Sanchez and 4-month old Axel Camilo Mendez Sanchez, were killed in a house fire on January 2nd.

Sanchez was a student at Briarwood Elementary School and the school wants to honor Sanchez by dedicating two soccer goals in his memory.Β  The Charlotte Independence will dedicate Saturday’s game to Sanchez and aid in fundraising for the memorial through accepted donations, t-shirt sales and a portion of ticket sales verses Atlanta United 2.

β€œOur plan is to erect goal posts in honor of Leonel” said Ms. Polito, Leonel’s 3rd Grade Teacher. β€œWe plan to put them in our back field beside the playground, along with a plaque. We are hoping to have an unveiling whereby his family and friends can come along to an afternoon of remembrance.”

The soccer goals not only act as a visual memorial for Leonel, but also a way to remember his love for soccer. Classmates and friends said they will miss playing soccer with him at recess and using these goals will be able to help keep his memory alive.

β€œLeonel was not just a 3rd grade student at Briarwood,” said Polito. β€œHe is so much more than that. When speaking to all 40 of my students about their thoughts and feelings on Leonel’s passing, they said that they never wanted to forget him. They still write Leonel notes and leave them in his desk during reading class. They wanted a picture set up in both classes as to ensure he would still be a part of our daily school life.”

Proceeds of tickets purchased through www.groupmatics.events/event/briarwoodstrong will fund the soccer goals. Additional proceeds will be collected at the Independence’s match on Saturday through cash and card donations and t-shirt sales at the merchandise stand.

β€œI am advocating not only to help my students wish to remember a lost friend and classmate,” said Polito, β€œbut also for Leonel who’s humor, intelligence, sarcasm, and protectiveness shall not be forgotten.”