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HONOLULU - The US Lacrosse Hawai'i Chapter will host 28 national and international teams at the 15th annual Hawaii Lacrosse Invitational Tournament, October 29 and 30, 2005 at Kap'iolani Park, O'ahu. Four Masters division, Ten Elite division, and a record 13 Women’s teams will battle at the base of Diamond Head in the hopes of taking home the prized Hawaiian trophies along with some significant bragging rights.

As cool fall weather sets in across other parts of the world, lacrosse action will heat up all the way “lacrosse the pacific” on O'ahu.

“The explosive growth of lacrosse has been incredible,” said Harry Jackson, tournament director. “We hosted 5 teams in 1991, and every year since the number has increased dramatically. This year with an unbelievable 25 Major League Lacrosse players sprinkled throughout the 14 men’s teams, we will have exceptional lacrosse!”

As usual though, lacrosse is only part of the story at this infamous Hawai?i Lacrosse tournament. Sharing Aloha with tournament participants and spectators is just as important as the lacrosse competition. This year, the “Aloha Spirit” should emanate from the event in particularly strong fashion as the year 2005 marks the 15th anniversary of the tournament and introduces the US Lacrosse – Hawai'i Chapter as its new presenter. Lacrosse lovers from across the state have joined together to form the Hawai'i Chapter under the national organization of US Lacrosse in an effort to bring together all players, parents, and supporters to unite as one under one umbrella with the slogan “E hui pu Kakou!" or "Let us unite as one!”

Games on Saturday run from 8 am to 4 pm on six fields. Sunday morning semifinals will culminate in championship games at 2 pm for Masters Division and 3 pm for both the Women’s and Elite Divisions. Awards ceremony to immediately follow. The public is welcome and encouraged to come watch the action. Park entry is free.

This year’s tournament is sponsored by Warrior Lacrosse, US Lacrosse, LuLu’s Waikiki Beach Club, and Tesoro.

By Brian McInnis
Special to The Advertiser

There's a sport that combines several of the best aspects of some of the most popular games in America, and comes out with a winning formula.

Lacrosse is growing, including in Hawai'i.

The Aloha Youth Lacrosse Association, for youth ages 7 to 18, is part of the local chapter of U.S. Lacrosse — the governing body of the sport — and is making a push for the sport to be embraced at a local level, much like soccer.

Jeff Overton, a member of the AYLA and U.S. Lacrosse Hawai'i Chapter board of directors, estimates the sport went from about 180,000 players nationwide five years ago to more than 300,000 today.

Aloha Youth Lacrosse Association's numbers also have grown from a handful of players in its inaugural year (two seasons ago) to more than 100.

And there's plenty of room for more, even for those unfamiliar with the sport.