NEW YORK (February 28, 2012) – Busan I’Park FC cronwed as the inaugural champion of the Hawaiian Islands Invitational, which is  underwritten by ESPN Regional Television, Inc., in cooperation with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Major League Soccer and LeadOff Sports Marketing. 

The Hawaiian Islands Invitational, which is a symbol of cooperation and continued professional development for soccer playing nations in the Pacific Rim, was founded in 2011 by ESPN Regional Television, Inc. (ERT), in cooperation with the Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA), Major League Soccer (MLS), and LeadOff Sports Marketing.  LeadOff Sports Marketing headed and oversaw the international soccer business aspect surrounding this property, as the Chief Soccer Officer.

Including the Japanese legendary player Kazuyoshi Miura from Yokohama FC, total of 4 professional soccer clubs from each nation of Australia, Japan, Korea and the USA were invited to Honolulu, HI. The week-long event included a training camp for the teams, massive youth clinics, and the tournament at Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium where different style of plays clashed.  Busan I’Park FC defeated Yokohama FC 3-0 in front of a crowd of 10,073 in the championship match to become the inaguaral champion, and the 2010 MLS Champion Colorado Rapids beat Melbourne Heart FC from Australia.

Official website: http://www.hawaiianislandsinvitational.com/

Official FaceBool: https://www.facebook.com/HawaiianIslandsInvitational