VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC are pleased to announce that the club will be participating in the Hope and Health Community Camps for the eighth year in a row.
Hope and Health is an annual event that utilizes soccer to build resilience and connection amongst Indigenous children and youth. More than just an event, Hope and Health is a soccer-based movement that engages Indigenous children and youth to improve long-term health and life outcomes.
Hope and Health began in Nanaimo, BC eight years ago and has grown to add a Vancouver-based camp. The second annual Vancouver event will take place on July 29 at Musqueam Park, while the Nanaimo event will be held on August 19 at Merle Logan.
Over 600+ children are expected to attend from over 55 First Nation communities from BC and across Canada, supported by an incredible volunteer community sourced from all partners involved.
At both events, Whitecaps FC players are fully engaged in hosting the kids, participating in the skills, drills and games and building special connections that leave the kids feeling inspired and confident to pursue their own talents and dreams.
The Vancouver event on July 29 will see appearances by Whitecaps FC players Doneil Henry, Jon Erice, Jake Nerwinski, Brett Levis, Russell Teibert, Maxime Crepeau, Scott Sutter and Andy Rose. Spike, the Whitecaps FC mascot, will also make a special appearance.
This year’s events will be presented in partnership with the Hope and Health For Life Society, Musqueam Indian Band, Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family Service Agency and generous local delegated agencies, individual and corporate sponsors.
In 2014, Bill Yoachim, the Executive Director of Kw'umut Lelum, was nominated as Whitecaps FC’s Community MVP and went on to win the league-wide contest. As a result, $10,000 was donated directly to children and youth to participate in Hope and Health. The last seven years of Hope and Health have been hugely successful, engaging close to 3,000 Indigenous children and youth in soccer since the inaugural event.
Hope and Health events are open to Indigenous children and youth ages 5-18. Participants must pre-register to attend (deana@hopeandhealth.org)
Hope and Health (Vancouver)
Monday, July 29, 10 a.m.* to 3 p.m. PT at Musqueam Park
Hope and Health (Nanaimo)
Monday, August 19, 10 a.m.* to 3 p.m. PT at Merle Logan
*Registration opens at 9 a.m.
