Shooting Ends Kids' Football Tournament Aimed At Promoting Nonviolence In Cincinnati

CINCINNATI (AP) _ A fatal shooting put an abrupt end to a youth football tournament aimed at promoting nonviolence in city neighborhoods. <br/><br/>Earnest Crear, 19, was in a group of young adults gathered

Monday, August 13th 2007, 2:24 pm

By: News On 6

CINCINNATI (AP) _ A fatal shooting put an abrupt end to a youth football tournament aimed at promoting nonviolence in city neighborhoods.

Earnest Crear, 19, was in a group of young adults gathered on a street several hundred feet away from where spectators were watching the games Sunday when he was shot twice, officials said. Police said three suspects fled the scene.

``Once the shots rang out, you could see parents immediately going to the aid of their children,'' said Cecil Thomas, a Cincinnati city councilman who was at the games.

The children's event, dubbed the ``Peace Bowl,'' brought together 14 teams from youth organizations. The athletes were between 6 and 12 years old. Thomas said the ``Peace Bowl'' was an initiative of the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission and other community groups aimed at promoting peace in city neighborhoods with athletic competition and family involvement.

The shooting wasn't believed to be linked to the tournament, and organizers pledged to continue the event in the future.

``I think this will be an opportunity to let those who insist on violence know that this is not going to stop us,'' Thomas said.