From the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee:
On Saturday, October 14th, community members from the Masjid Al-Iman Mosque in Victoria are partnering with police officers, support staff and volunteers from several local police forces for a soccer tournament and community-building afternoon.
The afternoon will begin with an opportunity for police participants to observe the 1:30 p.m. prayer session inside the Masjid. Opening remarks will follow at 1:45 from Chief Del Manak of Victoria Police, Imam Ismael Mohamed Nur of the Masjid and Councillor Geoff Young from the City of Victoria.
Between 2:30 and 4:00 p.m., there will be two Round Robin soccer tournaments takingplace. Six mixed men’s teams will be playing games on three fields at Central Park (behind Crystal Pool) and three mixed women’s teams will play in the Fernwood
Community Centre gymnasium. Approximately seventy (70) players have registered.
Beginning at 4:30, community and police participants, family members and friends willshare a meal together at the Masjid. This event is sponsored by the GVPDAC and the Victoria City Police Athletic Association (VCCPA). Staff Sgt. Scott Treble (co-chair, GPVDAC) of Saanich Police said, “We’re excited to have planned a great afternoon with some learning, some soccer and then some dinner, while further strengthening the trust and understanding that exists between the Muslim community and police.”
“The Mosque is very delighted to both have been part of the organizing for this event as well as participating in it. We hope to continue to build bridges between different parts of our community, and promote a greater level of understanding,” said Ismail Mohamed Nur, Imam of Masjid Al-Iman.
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