Saturday 28 June 2014 literally hundreds of Ottawa residents and visitors congregated at Brewer Park for the annual Community Cup of soccer. Now in its tenth year this wildly popular family event organised by the Catholic Centre for Immigrants, is more than a soccer competition, bringing with it cultural music and dance from across the globe, demonstration sports, ethnic cuisine, a citizenship swearing-in ceremony for new Canadians, children’s play ground, displays and exhibits from agencies serving newcomers, it has a bit of everything for everybody. Led by Event Director the irrepressible Dan Dubeau, the heat of the day – it was in the 30s – was soon forgotten as participants and visitors alike got into the spirit of the celebrations. This soccer competition is like no other. Each team must have at least two female players and two new immigrants. Also, although points are awarded for goals scored as in the traditional soccer game, additional “spirit” points are awarded to teams for good sportsmanship, team cohesion, and selfless play. Three trophies are awarded: the Senior trophy, the Under-14 trophy, and the Spirit Cup for the team that most demonstrated the spirit of the celebrations: good sportsmanship, collaboration and welcoming to new immigrants and other newcomers. There was even a tent set up for those who wished to take in the FIFA World Cup on TV, the most popular being the Brazil-Chile game, drawing oohs and aahs from the audience as chances went begging as the game progressed. In all, a most enjoyable day at the park for the family.
