WINNIPEG, MB – On September 20, the Valour FC will be the next local professional sports team taking their shot to end hate as they take on the Vancouver FC at IG Field at 7:00 p.m.
This Wednesday, IG Field plays host to the ‘Hate is Not Welcome Here’ campaign, a joint initiative in partnership with all of Winnipeg’s professional sports teams. The Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Valour FC, the Winnipeg Sea Bears, and the Winnipeg Goldeyes, are all taking part through dedicating one game during their regular seasons to curb the hate epidemic.
The Winnipeg Sea Bears, the Winnipeg Goldeyes, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have already hosted their spotlight games earlier this summer.
“The Winnipeg Football Club always strives to create a safe and inclusive place for all fans, players, and staff to feel welcome and at home at IG Field,” said Winnipeg Football Club President & CEO, Wade Miller. “To that end, we are proud to join the ‘Hate is Not Welcome Here’ campaign to help curb the hate epidemic.”
For each selected game part of this initiative, complimentary blocks of tickets are being distributed to various groups and organizations through campaign partners the Rainbow Resource Centre, Folklorama, Anti-Racism in Sport, and the Rady Jewish Community Centre.
“Since we launched this initiative, support throughout our entire city has been incredible,” said Rob Berkowits, campaign spokesperson. “We are being flooded with calls asking how people can become involved and help spread this ‘hate is not welcome here’ message.”
Individuals representing Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM), Manitoba Aboriginal Sport & Recreation Council (MASRC), Recreational Opportunities for Children (ROC), and the Boys & Girls Club of Winnipeg among others will be present at this upcoming match.
Donors to this initiative include Ruth and David Asper, Cheryl and Earl Barish, Joanne and Sam Katz of Kay Four Properties, Sandra and Sheldon Earn, as well as both The Mark & Dorothy Danzker Trust and The Grosberg Family Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
“The message for this campaign is simple: hate is not welcome here,” said Berkowits, “and thanks to the leadership of Winnipeg’s local professional sports clubs, supporting organizations, and donors, this powerful message will help stop the hate epidemic affecting so many people here in our great city of all backgrounds, faiths, genders, and sexual orientations.
HATE IS NOT WELCOME HERE’ GAMES SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Brampton Honey Badgers
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Cleburne Railroaders
Thursday, August 3, 2023
Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs B.C. Lions
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Valour FC vs Vancouver FC
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Manitoba Moose vs Calgary Wranglers
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Winnipeg Jets vs New Jersey Devils
For all media questions, please contact:
Rob Berkowits
Spokesperson, ‘Hate is Not Welcome Here’ Initiative
204.477.7532
rberkowits@radyjcc.com