On Wednesday, July 20, Whitecaps FC players and coaches participated in Hope and Health for the fifth consecutive year. An annual event held in Nanaimo, Hope and Health expanded this year to also include the inaugural Vancouver event at Musqueam Park.
Hope and Health is an all-day event that utilizes soccer to build resilience and connection amongst Aboriginal children and youth ages 5 to 18. More than just an event, Hope and Health is a movement to inspire hope, as well as improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and life conditions for participants.
Hope and Health was founded in 2011 by Whitecaps FC head of first team operations and facilities Ed Georgica and his wife Deana Gill, along with Bill Yoachim, executive director of Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family Services. Yoachim is also a former Whitecaps FC Community MVP nominee and league contest winner.
"You build a relationship with these kids and that’s what we’re all about – hope and health," said Georgica. "It’s to build that relationship and give them the hope."
The Aboriginal children and youth participants were a diverse group, representing over 25 First Nation communities across BC and Canada and inclusive of Aboriginal children and youth living in foster care or involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Over 300 children arrived at Musqueam Park in the morning, eager and excited for the big day. Those without soccer cleats were given a brand new pair to keep as part of a boot drive.
The morning saw appearances by Whitecaps FC players Jordan Harvey, Fraser Aird, Tim Parker, Christian Dean and Russell Teibert. Other special guests included club ambassador Carl Valentine and Whitecaps FC coaches Carl Robinson, Martyn Pert, Marius Rovde and Gordon Forrest. Also on hand to entertain the crowd throughout the day was Whitecaps FC mascot Spike, along with Sammy Soccer Stilt Woccer and Freddie Futball.
Following a formal opening ceremony, the children separated into groups to participate in skills and drills clinics with the players. Other activities throughout the day included face painting and traditional cedar weaving. Children had a blast jumping around on a large bouncy castle with some of their favourite players, including Teibert.
“It’s an amazing experience to see all these kids have smiles on their faces, and you know, it brings a smile to your face,” said Teibert. “I’m happy to come to this event every year.”
In the afternoon, Whitecaps FC players David Ousted, Kendall Waston, Blas Pérez and Pa-Modou Kah all made appearances.After a hot dog barbeque for all of the children, the players showed off their skills in a high-energy game of "soccer tennis." Those interested in goalkeeping were lucky to get some tips in a goalkeeper clinic led by Ousted.
Not only did the children leave with new soccer gear, but also many memories to cherish. All in all, the inaugural Hope and Health Vancouver event was a success with participants winning both on and off the pitch.
Hope and Health will also be held in Nanaimo on Wednesday, August 31 at Beban Park. The event is open to Aboriginal children and youth ages 5-18. Participants must pre-register at hopeandhealth.org to attend.
View more photos from Hope and Health Vancouver HERE.
