Students bring soccer to the kids

Some local Simon Fraser University business students are keeping the World Cup soccer fever alive.

The students are offering low-income children an opportunity to experience the game with a one-day camp.

“A few friends and I are organizing a community event called Beyond the Game,” said Tony Jing. “We are part of a project management course at SFU that requires us to host a community project.

“Since all of us were concerned about the lack of sports for some children we decided on a sports theme.”

Jing, along with his Richmond fellow SFU students — Alfred De Vera, Rafael Gi, Ivan Ma and Grace Hui — are hosting a one-day soccer camp this Saturday, July 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Steveston Community Centre.

Beyond the Game is also a fundraising initiative.

Jing went on to say that during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, he’d seen a commercial about the free sports camps put on by the nonprofit organization Right to Play International (www.righttoplay.com/international).

“We all thought it was a good idea so we decided on that,” said the 21-year-old student. “Our aim is to empower disadvantaged children through sports.

“All of our proceeds from donations and sponsorships will go to Right to Play International, which tries to improve the lives of the world’s most disadvantaged children through sport.

“We have 50 children, between the ages of six and 12, who are registered.

“We will have arts and crafts, soccer balls and they will be taught proper soccer skills.

“If it all goes well, we plan on making this a yearly event.”

For more information about Beyond the Game, log onto www.beyondthegame.ca.