Burnaby Newsleader
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by Mario Bartel – Burnaby NewsLeader
posted Oct 9, 2014 at 9:00 AM
Burnaby gave the world one of its finest female soccer players in Christine Sinclair.
Now the city is the first municipality in Canada to proclaim 2015 the “Year of Women in Sport” in honour of the upcoming Women’s World Cup of Soccer.
Mayor Derek Corrigan read the proclamation at Monday’s council meeting. And he made particular mention of Sinclair’s role as a leader in her sport.
“Our city is very proud of the achievements of its amateur and professional Burnaby athletes,” said Corrigan. “I am particularly proud… as we honour the many great female athletes who have lived, trained and played in Burnaby and those who will follow their inspiring lead.”
Corrigan noted Canada’s national women’s soccer team is based at the Fortius Centre in the Central Valley. In 2002 the city also hosted a number of matches in the U-19 Women’s World Championship when Canada finished second to the United States. Sinclair was the top goal scorer in that tournament.
Linda Diano, the founder of The Power in Sport, a group that supports sport as a means to inspire people and communities, was at the council chambers to accept the proclamation.
“The leadership of government in raising awareness bodes well for future declarations across Canada,” said Diano, a former soccer player herself.
Burnaby’s declaration was praised by visitors to the Power in Sport website.
“Any time women and sport can be recognized brings the level of confidence for every girl wanting to take part in sport up another notch,” said Trish Fougner of Victoria.
“It acknowledges women as powerful and vital and a contribution to sport and beyond,” said Gillian Maxwell of Vancouver.
“It is an excellent opportunity to raise the level of awareness around many aspects of empowerment, inclusivity and team work for not only women of all ages but for men,” said Joanne Mulhall of North Vancouver.
Diano said she’s hopeful other bodies of government, as well as individuals, organizations and corporations will follow Burnaby’s lead. The organization is also planning a series of 20 minute and 15 second soccer games to be played around the country next year.