During the Grape Crush Tournament in which the Championship U14 Boys’ All-Star team participated, Omar Rivera sustained a broken leg. During the semifinal game against San Luis Obispo, the SLO goalkeeper slid into Omar in front of the goal. The U14 team went on to win the game and the tournament, dedicating it to Omar. He will not be able to play with them in Bakersfield. The boys will be wearing a symbol to commemorate Omar on their uniforms as they play March 6-7.
Omar will be held at the Twin Cities Medical Center in Templeton for several days and faces several surgeries and a long rehabilitation. His family is trying to stay with him in Templeton as much as possible until he can be moved to a closer facility. The AYSO/Santa Ynez family is trying to help the Rivera family with the financial burden and have set up The Omar Rivera Medical Fund at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust for anyone who would like to help. Donations can be made at any Santa Barbara Bank & Trust office to Account 0102813763. If you would like to help in any other way, or have questions, please contact Julie Everett at 350-1382.