Vancouver Whitecaps FC will host the Indigenous Peoples Celebration Match on June 29th and they have also announced the launch of two new mini-pitches. Last week, Hope and Health, with the support of the Whitecaps, opened their seventh and eighth mini-pitches in First Nations communities across the province.
Hope and Health Mini-Pitches
The pitches will provide innovative, high quality and inspiring play environments to engage Indigenous children and youth in the beautiful game.
On June 17, the Sts’ailes Strong Mini-Pitch officially opened. A traditional welcome to the territory was led by Grand Chief Willie Charlie and council, as well as an inspiring speech from youth council leader Jeremy Charlie. In addition, Sts’ailes member Terry Felix was honoured as the former Canadian international and forward with Vancouver Whitecaps during the NASL-era had his number 15 highlighted on each of the four archways.
On June 20, the Cowichan Strong Mini-Pitch was opened. A community celebration featured a welcome to the territory from Cowichan Tribes with Chief Cindy Daniels, ribbon cutting and ball drop.
In addition to the pitch being built, a 5V5 Champions League will be activated to give youth a competitive environment with high-level coaching to help their technical development. As more pitches are constructed, Champions League play will expand across communities and fellow nations.
Penelakut Strong was the first mini-pitch opened in September 2021, additional pitches include Snaw-naw-as Strong, Tla’amin Strong, Stz’uminus Strong, Snuneymuxw Strong, Ts’uubaa-asatx Strong, and Malahat Strong, set to open this summer.
About Hope and Health
The The Hope and Health movement utilizes the beautiful game of soccer and mentorship to inspire hope, as well as improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and life conditions for Indigenous children and youth. The team is committed to come together as one heart, one mind to maximize sport as a tool for reconciliACTION in relation to the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls To Action, specific to Sports and Reconciliation (87-91). The Hope and Health vision is for Indigenous children and youth to carry themselves with pride and confidence, achieve their highest potential and dream big.
Enter to Win & Support a Great Cause
If you’ve noticed the Winning Wednesday box on Miss604.com lately, it’s in support of Hope and Health’s weekly 50/50 draw. Every Wednesday they’ll draw a new winner this summer so there are lots of chances to win. They are also giving away tickets to the Whitecaps match on June 29th (Indigenous Peoples Celebration). Follow on Facebook for details.
Whitecaps Indigenous Peoples Celebration Match
The 2024 Whitecaps FC logo for the Indigenous Peoples Celebration was designed by Austin Aan’yas Harry, a digital artist and a dedicated member of the Squamish Nation, with ancestral ties to the Namgis Nation. There will be an artisan market and performances from Land Back Records recording artists and dancers. Visit the Warmup at Terry Fox Plaza from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, and during the match the anthem will be sung by Hayley Wallis, with Eli Gosselin-Rattlesnake and Dakota Bear performing at the half.