Following the event, Cultural Connector Abosede Jogunosinmi with Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) said the inaugural All Nations Soccer Day exceeded organizers’ expectations.
Held at Rotary Park on July 1st, the tournament welcomed more than 150 people, with teams representing El Salvador, Malawi, South India, Nigeria and Ukraine taking part throughout the afternoon. Volunteer referees and coaches helped keep the tournament running smoothly while spectators filled the sidelines to cheer on the teams.
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“It exceeded our expectations, honestly, because a lot of people turned out. We had spectators, people came from all over, and we had a lot of teams. We had teams from El Salvador, the Malawian community, the Southern Indian community, the Nigerian community and the Ukrainian team as well. They all played simultaneously, and it was a great event. We had referees, coaches, and it was a great turnout,” Jogunosinmi notes.
Beyond the action on the field, attendees enjoyed food, music, refreshments and a bouncy castle for children, creating an atmosphere that appealed to families throughout the day.
Children enjoyed inflatable bouncers and family activities throughout All Nations Soccer Day at Rotary Park on Canada Day. Submitted Photo/ Abosede Jogunosinmi
“We had food, we had music, a bouncing castle for children. Parents were there, and it was a great one. We had over 150 people in attendance for the event,” Jogunosinmi says.
Community support
Jogunosinmi credited the success of the event to the many volunteers, community groups and organizations that helped bring it together.
She thanked the Nigerian, El Salvadoran, Ukrainian, Malawian and South Indian communities for taking part, along with the Government of Canada and the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation for supporting the event.
“We want to appreciate all the team members and all the ethnocultural groups that came together. People were saying they want this to continue because it was an exciting event,” Jogunosinmi adds.
The tournament concluded with El Salvador capturing the championship trophy, but organizers said the sense of community was the biggest victory of the day.
The El Salvador team gathered for a photo before taking to the field at All Nations Soccer Day. The team later captured the tournament championship. Submitted Photo/ Abosede Jogunosinmi
“El Salvador won the match. It was a friendly match, but they had the trophy. It was a great event. A shout out and appreciation goes to everybody who came to the event, the officials, the referees, the coaches, the players, the spectators, the families and even the children. We are very grateful for this,” Jogunosinmi continues.
The championship trophy awaited the winning team during the All Nations Soccer Day tournament at Rotary Park. Submitted Photo/ Abosede Jogunosinmi
An event to remember
Favourable weather helped the event run as planned, and organizers said feedback from participants suggested there was strong interest in making All Nations Soccer Day an annual tradition.
Many visitors also wandered over from nearby baseball games to watch the tournament, adding to the crowd throughout the afternoon.
Members of the Nigerian community pose for a team photo before competing in the All Nations Soccer Day tournament. Submitted Photo/ Abosede Jogunosinmi
“The weather was favourable to us. The event went well. Everybody was happy. There was food, pizza, refreshments and drinks. Everybody went home with great joy in their hearts, and they all gave feedback that they want this to be a continuous thing that happens every time,” Jogunosinmi notes.
“People came to check what was going on at the football pitch. The baseball was also going on at the same time, but people came over to watch. No one disturbed each other. It was a great tournament, and people stayed until the end to see who would win the trophy. Everything went well,” Jogunosinmi says.
Representing the South Indian community, players paused for a team photo during the inaugural All Nations Soccer Day tournament. Submitted Photo/ Abosede Jogunosinmi