Thousands of kids from all over the world come to Northeast Ohio to participate in Continental Cup

CLEVELAND - Over 3,000 kids from 13 countries are here in Cleveland to test their skills in baseball, soccer and basketball.

The seventh annual Continental Cup International Youth Sports Festival kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday at sites around northeast Ohio.

Baseball, basketball and soccer teams are bringing their talents to fields, courts and diamonds to communities of Berea, Euclid, Richmond Heights, and downtown Cleveland to name a few of the places there will be tournament action.

All tournaments are open to the public and free.

The free Opening Ceremony and Cultural Festival will kick off the Continental Cup on Thursday at Cleveland Browns Stadium starting at 6:30 p.m. This year's Opening Ceremony will include a spectacular fireworks show, parade of athletes, live music and entertainment.

On Sunday, the baseball athletes will get to test their skills at Progressive Field.

The Continental Cup grew from Cleveland hosting the International Children's game in 2004. It is expected to raise more than $3 million dollars for the local region.

The event is sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Sports Health, The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, AC Milan, The Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Cavaliers.