LADYSMITH, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC took to the field for day 2 of the Hope and Health Soccer Extravaganza in Ladysmith, BC, in partnership with the Vancouver Island Coast Salish community.
The first day saw a very inspiring 'Evening of Champions' featuring keynote speeches from Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie, defenders Jay DeMerit and Andy O’Brien, Olympic ski cross gold medalist Ashleigh McIvor, and a performance from recording artist Kimberly Caldwell with a surprise appearance from 'Caps defender Jordan Harvey on guitar.
On Wednesday, the ‘Caps held a day filled with soccer skills, drills, and games, as well as coaching and goalkeeper clinics. The morning saw appearances by Whitecaps FC midfielders Gershon Koffie and Russell Teibert, as well as mascot Spike, while the afternoon brings ‘Caps goalkeeper Brad Knighton, defender Jordan Harvey, midfielders Matt Watson and Nigel Reo-Coker, as well as strikers Darren Mattocks and Camilo Sanvezzo.
“Hope and Health is about creating opportunities for the children and youth, but also for the families of Coast Salish communities that this event represents,” said William Yoachim, executive director of Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family Services. “We’re very honoured to have this relationship with Whitecaps FC.”
The 2012 inaugural event was hugely successful, engaging close to 300 children and youth and inspiring multi nations and everyone involved. For video footage of last year’s event, check out: http://youtu.be/xM_5H6diMe4.
Video footage from this year's event will be available on whitecapsfc.com in the coming days.
