This February, six of North America’s best Major League Soccer teams will be right here in our town. The LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, New York Red Bulls, and New England Revolution will be competing head-to-head in the Desert Diamond Cup. The San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City will be participating in Spring Training.

Fans will be pouring in from across the region to watch the stars of MLS duke it out for a championship title. For Tucson, more visitors could mean a much-needed boost in the local economy.

As the tournament approaches, the entire community is gearing up for one action packed month. The events begin tonight with a screening of Pelada at the Loft Cinema at 7:00 pm with special guests Luke Boughen, Director of the film, and some of the MLS players.

The Desert Diamond Cup begins on February 22nd. You can view the game schedule and purchase tickets here.

At SIMG, we are big sports fans and even bigger fans of our community. We look forward to seeing you at the game!

These are just a few of the organizations formed to continue the legacy of those lost in the January 8th tragedy. I strongly encourage you to take a look at their websites and learn more about the different missions of each incredible group.

Sunday, January 8, 2012, one short year after the tragic shooting that shook Tucson, was a day of reflection but also of hope. Our community came out en mass, just as we did a year ago, with one message: we will not be defined by this horrific act; we are resilient.

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, left, leads the Pledge of Allegiance accompanied by her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, at the start of a memorial vigil remembering the victims and survivors of the shooting that wounded Giffords, 12 others and killed six one year ago Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Congresswoman Giffords, leading the Pledge of Allegiance so proudly, is a site that will bring tears to the eyes of Arizonans and Americans alike for years to come.

This picture of Congresswoman Giffords is a testament to the resiliency of our community. Our Congresswoman, a Tucson native, has not given up hope. She has powered on and worked every day to get better and return to us.

The numerous non-profit and community organizations formed to give back to others in memory of the tragedy victims is a testament to the resiliency of our community. Many of these groups were formed by survivors of that tragic day. These Tucsonans have not closed themselves off or turned to anger. They have opened their hearts to support the community that they love.

Over 3,500 Arizonans braving the cold on January 8, 2012 to attend the candlelight vigil on the University of Arizona Mall is a testament to the resiliency of our community. Even after horror ripped at the fabric of our home, we remain united. We stand united.

We are a resilient community brought together by a devastating tragedy. Let us all remember the lessons of unity and tolerance learned over the last year as we move forward.

Events are set to occur across the Tucson region throughout the weekend. Starting off the commemoration is BEYOND, a series of over 25 events in the region on January 7^th honoring the victims of the shooting and celebrating the togetherness felt in the months that followed by bringing people outdoors to get active and heal together.

SIMG is proud to support BEYOND and the combined efforts of so many organizations working together to remember those lost and heal our community.  For more information about BEYOND, visit their website.

Sunday will be a more somber day, including a speaker series hosted by the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding at the University of Arizona’s Centennial Hall and a Candlelight Vigil on the University Mall.  For more information about Sunday’s events, please visit the Remembering January 8^th website.

We thank the incredible individuals and organizations who have worked to make these events possible. We look forward to joining our friends and neighbors this weekend, remembering those who where lost and working towards a brighter future.

2011 was a challenging year for our community in a number respects.  Most significantly, the year started with the tragedy of January 8th, which affected our community so profoundly.  However, the courage that emerged from that terrible day has inspired all of us as we meet the challenges of the coming year.

2012 will be a great year here at SIMG and we are looking forward to the opportunities it will bring.

Best wishes for a prosperous and joyful New Year to you and your family.