VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC are pleased to announce that the club will be participating in Hope and Health for the fourth year in a row — a soccer extravaganza in Nanaimo, BC, in partnership with the Vancouver Island Coast Salish community. This year’s event will take place July 29.
Hope and Health is an annual event that utilizes soccer to build resilience and connection amongst Aboriginal children and youth. More than just a one-time event, Hope and Health is a movement to inspire hope, improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and life conditions for Aboriginal children and youth.
Footage from last year's event in Nanaimo
This year’s event will be presented in partnership with Hope and Health For Life Society, Kw'umut Lelum and Lalum’utul' Smun’eem Child and Family Service Agencies. Approximately 400 children are expected to attend from over 25 First Nation communities, including first time participation from Songhees Nation, Musqueam Indian Band,, Nuuchahnulth and Sto:lo Nation.
On Wednesday, July 29, the ‘Caps will hold a day filled with soccer skills, drills, and games, as well as a goalkeeper clinic. The morning will see appearances by Whitecaps FC defenders Steven Beitashour and Kendall Waston, midfielders Gershon Koffie and Matias Laba, and striker Erik Hurtado. The afternoon session will welcome defender Pa-Modou Kah, striker Kekuta Manneh, and goalkeeping coach Marius Rovde. Spike, the Whitecaps FC mascot, will also make a special appearance throughout the day, along with his friend Turbo from Harbour Air.
“Whitecaps FC are thrilled to be partnering with Hope and Health once again for this annual event,” said club president Bob Lenarduzzi. “It’s about giving these incredible youth an opportunity to play soccer, meet their heroes, and inspire them to overcome any adversities that they may face.”
In 2014, Bill Yoachim, the Executive Director of Kw'umut Lelum and Lalum’utul' Smun’eem Child and Family Services, was nominated as Whitecaps FC’s Community MVP and went on to win the league-wide contest of $10,000 donated to Hope and Health. The last three years have been hugely successful, engaging almost 1,000 children since the inaugural event and inspiring multi nations and everyone involved.
WHO: Vancouver Island Aboriginal Children and Youth
WHEN: July 29, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT
WHERE: Nanaimo (Beban Fields)
Marius Rovde (WFC goalie coach) will be delivering a keeper clinic in the afternoon, open to the general public. Contact Deana Gill to register (deana@dreammaster.ca).