Every spring, the CC community gathers together to compete in the annual Quony Cup. The day is dedicated to good-spirited soccer games, music, and tasty (free!) food for both students and community members. Although it is a day for soccer enthusiasts to exhibit their skills on the field, the purpose of the Quony Cup extends much further.
Christopher Quon graduated from CC in 2009 as an economics major. Aside from playing on both the men’s lacrosse and soccer teams, and DJ-ing as “The Deuce” for house parties, Quon was also devoted to bettering the lives of the less fortunate. He was particularly interested in the fight against cancer. In 2008 and 2009, Quon organized a soccer tournament called the “Answer to Cancer” in honor of his two grandfathers and a teammate who were all battling cancer at the time. Quon often wore green shoelaces to support his teammate fighting cancer, and shaved his head to raise cancer awareness. The tournament contributed to the American Cancer Society in addition to local facilities with young cancer patients.
Originally from Lake Forest, Illinois, Quon was just settling into a career as a financial analyst in Chicago at Duff & Phelps. At only 22 years old, he was suddenly killed by a heart condition. Devastated by his death, the CC soccer team decided to honor their teammate and his dedication to cancer charities by continuing his “Answer to Cancer” soccer tournament. In 2010, they renamed the tournament “The Quony Cup” in his memory.
The proceeds of the event still go to the American Cancer Society, but in 2012, a portion was donated to the Christopher Quon Memorial Fund. Quon’s parents and three sisters began the fund to perpetuate Chris’s relentless spirit of giving. In addition to supporting cancer research, The Christopher Quon Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization that provides grants for less fortunate children to participate in sports, music, and travel. These were three of Quon’s greatest passions, and the Memorial Fund allows his legacy to continue.
The 2012 Quony Cup was unique in that it not only was in remembrance of Christopher Quon but also his lacrosse teammate Evan Spirito, who lost his life to lung cancer earlier this fall. Quon’s friends from Lake Forest continue to support Quon’s efforts by making the journey to CC to participate in the tournament.
Quony Cup teams are comprised of six to 12 members, with two females and no more than two current Varsity soccer players per team, although some teams struggled to abide by the maximum Varsity players clause.
The festivities began around 11 a.m. and persisted throughout most of the afternoon on the Armstrong Quad. The cost of entry for each team was $50. This year, the proceeds went to the American Cancer Society, the Christopher Quon Memorial Fund, and the Evan Spirito Memorial Fund.
“It was a beautiful day and so much fun to get out there and mess around with friends,” commented a sophomore player. “The live music was awesome, and Carnivore Club was tastier than ever! All in all, a perfect day.”
The t-shirt design this year acknowledged both Christopher Quon and Evan Spirito. Shawn Maloney created the shirts to feature Quon’s number, 21, on the right sleeve and Spirito’s number, 19, on the left. Congratulations to the Alumni team for being the 2012 Quony Cup Champions!
For more information on the Quony Cup and The Christopher Quon Memorial Fund, visit http://www.christopherquonfoundation.org
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