As FIFA Women’s World Cup play unfolded in Canada, U.S. Consulate General Vancouver welcomed Lori Lindsey to the city to start the soccer superstar’s Sports Diplomacy tour in Canada. The Department of State’s Sports United worked with the Public Affairs section to bring the former U.S. women’s team midfielder to Vancouver on June 16 and 17 for clinics and speaking engagements with girls’ soccer groups.
Lori spent much of her visit on the soccer pitch. She had the opportunity to meet some of her youngest fans, many of Aboriginal origin. U.S. Consulate General Vancouver partnered with the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council to bring Lori into diverse communities to promote social inclusion, a healthy lifestyle, and youth empowerment. In collaboration with the Aboriginal Education Department of the Vancouver School Board, Lori hosted clinics for girl soccer enthusiasts from MacDonald Elementary School, Britannia Elementary School, and Britannia Secondary. The players were thrilled that Lori had come to teach some new skills and play a few scrimmages.
Lori also visited the Vancouver Fan Zone – the city’s gathering place for all soccer fans during FIFA Women’s World Cup just before the USA vs. Nigeria game later that evening. Here she was able to connect with many of her fans, both local and international. She also met some of the American Outlaws, the American Soccer Fan Club.
Lori traveled outside Vancouver to the STS’AILES First Nation in the Fraser Valley. In another partnership with Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council, Lori hosted a brief talk and soccer clinics for students at Chehalis Community School. The community welcomed Lori with traditional drumming and a personal greeting from the Chief of the Nation. Lori talked to students about the importance of sports in girls’ lives and the positive influence soccer had on her own life. She then headed out with students to the school’s soccer field. After the clinics, the students gave Lori celebrity treatment, clamoring for her autograph on T-shirts, hats, and even water bottles.
Read about Lori’s visit to Agassiz in the local media.
Take a look at our Flickr album of Lori’s visit.
