On November 4th, the field hockey community will gather in Coquitlam, BC for the Fourth Annual Field Hockey Game for the Cure in support of the BC Cancer Foundation. The event at Cunnings Turf Field #7 in Town Centre Park will feature a match between the Tri-City Eagles Field Hockey Club Senior Women’s Team and a local High School Select “All-Stars” Team. In the lead-up to November 4th, all participants will be actively raising funds for the BC Cancer Foundation, pursuing their goal of $3,500.
The Tri-Cities Game for the Cure was originally inspired by the Canadian Women’s National Field Hockey Team’s Game for the Cure in 2009. Over $30,000 was raised at the inaugural event. National Team Athletes Tyla Flexman and Samantha Smith fuelled fundraising efforts by committing to shave their heads following the game.
“The Game for the Cure means a lot to me,” says the recently retired Flexman. “The initial event with the National Team in 2009 was such a success because of the unbelievable support. The magnitude and depth of the support we received from the entire community really meant the most to me.”
Soon after the event in 2009, Nicola McILwrick founded the “Game for the Cure: Tri-Cities” in an effort to extend the field hockey community’s support for cancer research in British Columbia. Last year, Nicola’s younger sister, Samantha, stepped into the role of leading the event. After a successful event in 2011, the grade 11 student at Port Moody Secondary School has high hopes for this year’s event.
“This year we are hoping to increase the number of students participating in the game, and also encourage more people in our community to attend the event,” says Samantha. “My favourite part of the Game for the Cure is getting people involved to raise money for an amazing cause – especially people who typically don’t participate in fundraising events like this. It’s also a great opportunity to build support and increase awareness of our sport in the local community.”
“It is incredible to see the Tri-Cities Game for the Cure continue on a legacy of the field hockey community giving back and raising awareness,” says Flexman. “I feel honoured to have played a role in sparking an idea that Nicola and Sam have turned into an ongoing community event.”
You will find Tyla at the Game for the Cure on November 4th, showing her support on the sidelines. She will be joined by a group of Women’s National Team athletes – who will be donating one Team Canada jersey signed by team members, along with two signed t-shirts.
“I am very excited to be attending the Game again this year,” says Flexman. “I look forward to seeing as many people out there as possible!”
Fourth Annual Field Hockey Game for the Cure
Sunday, November 4th @ 4:00pm
Cunnings Turf Field #7 in Town Centre Park
Coquitlam, BC
Join the team – CLICK HERE to visit the event webpage and support the BC Cancer Foundation.