Numerous corporate partners, including the Vancouver Whitecaps, teamed up with the Hope and Health initiative co-founded by Joachim.
Snaw-Naw-As chief Gordon Edwards said the soccer surface complements their neighboring 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 said 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 meet 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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