The Harambeecouver Diversity Cup is one of the flagship summer events hosted by the Great Lakes Society of BC. Soccer is one way in which the cultural diversity in Vancouver shines! It is a sport played all over the globe, no matter where you are from, what colour your skin is, or what language you speak.When we bring out a soccer ball and set up some goal posts, there is an understanding of this game.
Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.–Nelson Mandela
Sport as a Universal Language–Soccer is played in over 200 countries, by more than 200 million people either professionally, or causally. It is more than just a fun, popular, international sport. It plays a role in international development by funding global education, effecting positive social change, and producing renewable energy. Soccer is unique in that it crosses all geographic, ethnic, and religious boundaries.
A vehicle for cultural Dialogue- Harambecouver Diversity Cup has become a vehicle for intercultural dialogue through its educational and socializing role, diversity is so important in our sports because it promotes creativity, innovation, unique perspectives, and new opportunities. A common trait we see develop in our soccer and our Run/walk as a result of diversity is good sportsmanship, teamwork, a sense of belonging, and a sense of community.
Culture influences sport – We actively promote our sports activities with young people, making our Vancouver Diversity Cup more welcoming and culturally inclusive. We engage with families to gain their support for young people to join our sports activities and be involved. We work with other community organizations to increase inclusive awareness of, and trust in, both Van-Cup and Van Run. Sports activities we have been organizing enhance social, and cultural life, bringing individuals and communities together, to help overcome the differences and encourage dialogue, thereby helping to break down prejudice, stereotypes, cultural differences, ignorance, intolerance, racism, and discrimination to help build bridges
Thank you to our sponsors
The Harambeecouver Diversity Cup is a soccer tournament organized by the Great Lakes Networking Society of BC, a non-profit organization registered under the BC Societies Act (Reg #80232 7262 BC0001). We live and work on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People, including the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lo and Tsleil- Waututh Nations. We are grateful to be hosted on this land.