Sport was the catalyst for bringing 170 elementary school children together on Oct. 14 at Eliza Archie Memorial School (EAMS) at Canim Lake.
The students came from seven schools, including EAMS, Forest Grove, Buffalo Creek, Mile 108, 100 Mile House, Lac la Hache and Esket in Alkali Lake to participate in the annual EAMS Soccer Jamboree.
It wasn’t so much a day of competition, as it was an opportunity to make new friends through the game of soccer. After a traditional Secwepemc welcome of drumming and singing by senior youth of the Canim Lake community, children were assigned to one of 10 teams that were named after Canadian cities.
They played three 20-minute games each, and between games, had a chance to enjoy barbecued burgers and hotdogs prepared by Canim Lake Band community members.
School principal Barb MacLeod says it was truly a community event, with people of Canim Lake pulling together to offer the best event possible.
“People worked on the soccer fields for a week, mowing and raking and then mowing again. Everyone comes and welcomes the kids. They’re just so happy to host these things.”
