Winnipeg mayoral candidates will play a game of friendly soccer on Saturday against local celebrities.
In honour of the official ticket sale for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, which begins September 10, the tournament’s organizing committee is teaming up with ManyFest for a soccer celebration.
Eight of the nine mayoral candidates will be taking part, with the exception of David Sanders due to a prior commitment.
Local celebrities hitting the soccer pitch on the east lawn of the Manitoba legislature include radio host Ace Burpee, Olympic gold medal curler Kaitlyn Lawes, Minister Ron Lemieux, U of M Bison women’s soccer head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas, World Trade Centre Winnipeg president and CEO Mariette Mulaire, former Team Canada volleyball Olympian Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, Winnipeg Blue Bombers GM Kyle Walters, and FIFA’s official mascot Shuéme.
Canadian Women’s National Team athlete Carmelina Moscato will also compete, while Héctor Vergara, executive director of the Manitoba Soccer Association, officiates the match. Canadian U-20 men’s national team head coach Rob Gale will handle colour commentary.
A skills challenge will begin at noon, with the match set for 12:40 p.m.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 runs 6 June to 5 July from coast to coast. Winnipeg will host a series of games at Investors Group Field.
