Calling soccer players of all ages and levels of talent!
Organizers of the 2019 MS Kick for the Cure are looking for more participants for the fundraiser on June 1.
“We’re looking for more players,” organizer Darcy Kulai said. “We can accommodate everyone. We want as many people as possible.
“Anyone can play as long as they show up and raise some money. The main focus is on raising money and having fun doing it. Adult, kid, it doesn’t matter the level of play.”
The event, which consists of four three-hour soccer games, has been a hugely successful fundraiser for multiple sclerosis since 2006, when Kevin James — now the head coach of the Cowichan 49ers masters men’s soccer team — and his wife Darcie started it in Victoria, where it ran until 2013.
Darcie James was diagnosed with MS in 2001, just six months after she and Kevin were married. The couple has since raised over $1 million through initiatives like Kick for the Cure, the MS Bike Tour, and the MS Walk. They were honoured in November for their years of work.
Kevin James was surprised to receive the honour.
“It’s more about just raising awareness,” he said. “And all of a sudden someone does the math and you realize how much it’s added up to.”
READ MORE: Vancouver Island duo honoured for raising $1 million for MS
Kulai — a friend of James and a midfielder for the 49ers — revived Kick for the Cure in 2016 at the Kerry Park soccer fields. It moved to the Sherman Road fields in 2017, where it has taken place ever since as a partnership between the Cowichan Community Centre, Tide Soccer and the Cowichan Valley Soccer Association.
Participants are asked to bring a minimum pledge to the field, where they will be sorted into teams based on age groups. All participants will receive a cinch bag and T-shirt, and will be entered into a prize draw. Prizes will also be awarded to the top overall fundraisers.
Kick for the Cure will take place on Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sherman Road Soccer Park. Fresh Kenny’s Fish and Chips will be on hand selling lunch. Age groups are 6-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15+. For more information or to register, email dkulai@cvrd.bc.ca with participant’s name, age, and T-shirt size or visit mskickforthecure.com
