Soccer game played for drowned teen

WALKER, Mich. (WOOD) - A special soccer game was held Thursday night to remember a very talented teen who drowned in Lake Michigan last week.

The idea was to honor the life of Christian Oudings by doing what he loved most: playing soccer.

The game happened at Walker Charter Academy. Many wore Ouding's number -- 21 -- on their backs.    

Ouding and his younger sister were adopted by a West Michigan family from an African orphanage.

The 13-year-old was at a celebration for his team in Grand Haven on Friday when he disappeared into the water, forced under by strong waves.

He had a very promising future ahead of him in soccer and was under consideration for national teams.

Everyone remembered Ouding as a great kid.

"He was a leader on the field and in the class. He would stick up for you," said Dewayne Reed of Walker Charter Academy. "He always had a million-dollar smile on his face, so hopefully we are bringing a smile to his face and to many faces for years to come doing this."

All of the money raised will go a memorial started in Ouding's name. Organizers plan to make the event an annual fundraiser.