“Sports has the power to change the world…it speaks to youth in a language they understand…” – Nelson Mandela
The Vancouver Police Athletic League (PAL) helps to promote good lifestyle choices for youth as well as to showcase the important lessons of teamwork and sport that can be applied off the field. VPD members provide coaching and mentorship in a fun, positive environment.
On Tuesday, September 25, the VPD Youth Services Section hosted the third annual Grade 7 VPD Police Athletic League soccer tournament. This year’s tournament included seven schools, fielding a total of nine teams, and reached 100 students. In addition to playing between five and six matches, the young participants got to meet Whitecaps legend Carl Valentine and team mascot Spike, as well as VPD Emergency Response Team members who arrived in the Armoured Rescue Vehicle (ARV). And if that wasn’t enough, there was a dunk tank on site for those interested in trying to dunk two very good sports – uniformed Youth Service Section Sergeants!
Lots of partners made this great event happen. Vancouver Park Board donated facilities; Moresports donated soccer equipment and uniforms; Matrix Productions supplied tables and Vancouver School Board representatives Associate Superintendent Rob Schindel and Director of Instruction Magdalena Kassis were on hand to show their support. Subway provided yummy sandwiches for lunch.
The Vancouver Police Foundation’s donation enabled the purchase of an indoor Futsal table for each school, to help sustain the important values the youth learned that day. As well, our gift purchased soccer balls which were awarded to one player on each team who demonstrated positivity, leadership and teamwork and snacks and drinks to help supplement lunch.
Youth programs have some of the biggest impacts on our goal to build safer communities. You can help support them by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall under one of four pillars: Youth Programs, Mental Health & Addictions, Community Outreach & Engagement, and Technology & Special Equipment. You can help build a safer Vancouver by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
