Cultures Unite at the 9th Annual Vancouver International Soccer Festival and Tournament: VISF recognized as one of the first Fair Trade Accredited Sporting Events in Canada by Fairtrade Canada

VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA – The Vancouver International Soccer Festival (VISF) is lacing up to kick off its 9th year on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 5-7, 2013 when hundreds of athletes, officials, and volunteers will descend on Andy Livingstone Park in Vancouver for a tournament that promotes inclusion, respect, and equality.

The VISF is a 7-on-7 World Cup-style soccer tournament that brings together up to 40 men’s and co-ed soccer teams and players from Canada, the U.S.A., local international schools, and multi-cultural communities to celebrate “the beautiful game” and showcase diversity and cultural harmony. Eight First Nations and homeless teams from BC will also participate.

MLA Sam Sullivan, Vancouver-False Creek and Musqueam Nation elders will officially open the festival on Friday, July 5th at 7:00PM at Andy Livingstone Park in downtown Vancouver.

Admission to the festival is free! It takes place from 9:00am to 9:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday. In addition to exciting soccer action, festival highlights include globally inspired cuisine, a beer and wine garden, house DJ, wide-screen tournament TVs, games, and more.

This year the Vancouver International Soccer Festival has aimed to include fair trade products wherever possible. All matches will be played with Fairtrade certified soccer balls, and various Fairtrade certified food and beverage options will be available to participants. As a result of these efforts, VISF has been recognized by Fairtrade Canada as one of the first Fair Trade Accredited Sporting Events in Canada, meaning fair trade goods were specifically chosen over conventional products.

The principles of fair trade and the Fair Trade City designation held by the City of Vancouver align with the values of inclusion, equality, and respect that are espoused by the Vancouver International Soccer Festival.

“Soccer has an incredible power that can be used to make this world a better place. We work within this powerful platform to promote peace, equality, health, and education for everyone,” says Adri Hamael, the Founder and Executive Director of VISF and the One Team for Peace Society.

Major sponsors include: Simpson Family Foundation, University of British Columbia, Simpson Thomas & Associates, Switch United, and NOVUS TV.

For more information, visit www.oneteamunited.ca