Last weekend, I had the pleasure to attend the Fusion Festival and Canada Cup International Field Hockey Tournament. Both events encourage community spirit by bringing neighbours together.

At Holland Park a diverse range of sights, sounds and smells were on display reflecting the cultural diversity of Surrey. In its fourth year the free festival featured 36 cultural groups.  Awarded the distinction of the best cultural event in Canada, the Fusion Festival is also BC’s largest multicultural celebration. Overflowing with culture, the festival featured tantalizing international fare, live music and entertainment. A family-friendly event, kids enjoyed mascots, face painting and craft making.

Hosted by the West Coast Kings Field Hockey Club, the Canada Cup International Field Hockey Tournament at Tamanawis Park was an overwhelming success. Top field hockey players on 24 internationals teams, entertained spectators young and old. Winning the tournament was Team Mexico beating United Brothers by a score of 5-2.

Despite the terrible weather, good cheer was abundant at both events. The smiles on everyone’s faces highlights the appetite for community organized sports and cultural festivities. Sports and culture unite communities like nothing else.