Nanaimo can help its Syrian families get geared up for soccer.
An event called Friendship Football is being organized for Friday (April 7), to invite newly arrived Syrian youths and adults to practise and play with the local Harbour City Football Club.
“In Syria, soccer was a part of their daily lives … so it’s been something that they’ve missed painfully and they’re very, very excited about a chance to play again,” said Susan Plensky, a volunteer with the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society and one of the organizers of the event.
“The first year has been focused on helping them find homes, getting to English classes and then eventually find work and [get] children into schools. It’s been a very busy, challenging year for both the volunteers and the families that have arrived, and everybody has said there needs to be a little bit of fun.”
The community is being asked to donate soccer equipment and athletic wear for children and adults. Plensky said anything is helpful, but there’s a particular need for cleats and shinguards. Gear donations can be dropped off at the Harbour City Football Club office at the fieldhouse at Beban Park’s Gyro Youth Sports Fields or brought to the event.
Friendship Football will take place Friday from 5-8:30 p.m. at Merle Logan Field and will include training and games.
For more information about donating to the multicultural society’s Syrian Refugee Fund, please visit www.cvims.org or call 250-753-6911.
greg.sakaki@nanaimobulletin.com