Star-studded summer

Trump’s graceless own goal sabotaged World Cup’s spirit of fair play

Like many Canadians, I have avoided crossing the U.S. border in the last couple of years. For me, it was a mixture of defiance and uncertainty. What if border guards ask me what I think about President Donald Trump? I would fail the lie detector test.

But the World Cup is going on, and I had a pass for the Seattle stadium. I needed to take advantage of it. After all, I love soccer and I love the World Cup. I see it as one of the great peace movements of our time.

But the irony of travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup wasn’t lost on me. Led by their FIFA Peace Prize-winning president, the country is dropping bombs on World Cup participant Iran. Referee Omar Artan was refused entry into the U.S., where he was to become the first Somali to referee at a World Cup. Fears of ICE raids sent shivers through international communities. Even players were harassed at border points.

It was fair to wonder: what would my experience be like?

Fringe reviews #4: The next boss battle begins

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Soccer game days treated as religious events by some

The World Cup concludes Sunday with the final match to determine the winner. It’s not a religious event, but it has religion-like elements. This includes things like pilgrimages to matches, shared songs and rituals, “saints” like Messi and Ronaldo and, for many, a deep devotion to a team.

Religion has been evident during games, too. Some players from the Christian tradition crossed themselves after scoring goals. After Germany’s win over Curaçao, players from both teams stood together on the field in a prayer circle after the final whistle. Some Muslim players performed sujood, the Islamic act of bowing down in submission and gratitude to God, after scoring, while others did dua, raising their hands in grateful prayer.

Outside of the World Cup, football has even been used as a way to explain faith. Pope Francis, an avid football fan, did that in his homilies and speeches. Football, he said, can teach Christian virtues such as community, cooperation and teamwork over individualism.

Pope Leo XIV feels the same way. “Soccer reminds us of something we must not forget,” he said before the World Cup kicked off. “Life is not a race to show off on our own, but a path we learn to walk together. Anyone who does not know how to pass the ball, even if they have talent, has not yet understood the game. Anyone who does not know how to live with and for others has not yet understood life.”

Order of Manitoba awarded to 12 high-achievers

It was a full circle moment for a CFL superstar whose game included giving back.

Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Andrew Harris was one of 12 Order of Manitoba recipients honoured at the Manitoba legislature on Thursday.

“It’s an indescribable feeling,” Harris said after the ceremony while holding one of his sons in his arms.

Harris joined Juno award-winning artist Chantal Kreviazuk, Canada’s chief public health officer Dr. Joss Reimer, former premier Brian Pallister and others who have enriched the province, said Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville as she honoured the recipients.

Fringe reviews #3: You have died of too much theatre

100mls Or Less, Could Kill but Creates, Cults, (Dad) Stuff, El Diablo of the Cards, D&D Improv Show, Escape Reality, The Funny Thing About Men, House of Gold, The Knights of Durathor

Free Press Summer Reading Challenge for Kids back in session for sixth year

While students and teachers alike count down the days until school is out for summer, the Free Press Summer Reading Challenge for Kids is ready to start a fresh session.

An offshoot of the Free Press Book Club, the summer reading challenge — developed in partnership with McNally Robinson Booksellers — provides suggested titles for young readers aged 7 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 15. Four books are chosen for each reading level and offer a diverse range of topics, perspectives and formats.

This is the sixth summer the Free Press has facilitated the reading challenge, which also offers participants the opportunity to submit reviews of the books they’ve read from their given reading lists. Send in reviews of around 100-150 words and include a rating out of five stars; your review could end up among those featured both online and in the printed version of the Free Press books pages when they run in late July and August.

More information about each book on the reading lists, as well as additional information about what to include in reviews, can be found at wfp.to/kidsbookclub. All of the books are available for purchase at McNally Robinson, and almost all are also available at the Winnipeg Public Library.