During the tournament, inspired by the FIFA World Cup, more than 100 students — along with several faculty and staff members — played on 16 teams that represented different countries across the world. The faculty/staff team represented the Schools of Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Biology, and the Offices of the Provost, Registrar, Institute Communications, and Institute Diversity.

“Soccer is considered by many as the most popular sport in the world, and while it is not ‘officially’ a Hispanic or Latino sport, it is by far the favorite sport in Latin America and Spain. This was reflected by the fact that half of the teams in this year’s five-hour tournament represented Latin American countries and Spain,” said Jorge Breton, director of OHI.

The team representing Ecuador emerged the champion of the 2015 Mini World Cup; second place went to the team representing Turkey. Both teams received trophies, with each player receiving a medal.

Co-sponsored by Institute Diversity and OHI, Georgia Tech’s Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the economic, cultural, and social contributions of Latinos in the United States.