A new mini soccer surface for Snaw-Naw-As First Nation was unveiled during a Wednesday, Sept. 7 ceremony. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Hope & Health

Snaw-Naw-As celebrates new mini soccer pitch

Sep 9, 2022 | 9:51 AM

NANOOSE BAY — A bright new addition to Snaw-Naw-As First Nation territory is expected to be a big hit with local children.

Several partners converged for a Wednesday, Sep. 7 ceremony for the opening of the Snaw-Naw-As Strong Mini-Pitch located on Si-Em Heights, west of Hwy. 19. The bright orange asphalt surface is surrounded by fencing and includes embedded chain-linked goal nets and lighting.

Bill Yoachim, executive director of Kw’umut Lelum Child & Family Services, said the court is a valuable addition.

“Enhancing the physical literacy of the kids in our communities, also bridging the gaps of getting kids playing sports together — this is just a complete win.”

Numerous corporate partners, including the Vancouver Whitecaps, teamed up with the Hope and Health initiative Yoachim co-founded.

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Snaw-Naw-As chief Gordon Edwards said the soccer surface complements their neighbouring multi-sport lacrosse box and a new playground for younger children.

He sees value in the new soccer court going beyond a place for people to hang out and have fun.

“Especially for our young people, it starts their socializing skills, their discipline skills,” Edwards told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The mini soccer surface at Snaw-Naw-As is the second of six planned courts envisioned by Hope and Health for Indigenous communities around the province.

Last September, the first mini soccer court on Penelakut Island opened.

Jennifer Scott, director of community and social impact for the Vancouver Whitecaps, said the Hope and Health partnership is a perfect fit for their organization.

“We understand and cannot support enough the power of sport in building communities, in building strong, healthy kids and helping them find who they are and meeting their their fullest potential,” Scott told a crowd of about 100 people.

During the opening ceremony First Nations blankets and carvings were presented to contributors of the mini soccer pitch.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes