Great weekend for Sher-E-Punjab Sports Club

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/09/2013 (4692 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This past August, the Valley Gardens Community Centre once again hosted a unique sports tournament.

The 5th annual Sher-E-Punjab Sports Club weekend tournament brought together people and teams from all over Winnipeg to play a variety of sports and spend time in our community.

This year’s two-day tournament was a great success. Hundreds of community members from all walks of life came out to watch. The tournament included sports that are familiar to many Canadians, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball and field hockey.

The tournament also included Kabaddi, a game that originated in India but in recent years has gained many fans around the world. Kabaddi is an extremely physical sport where players try to tag their opponent, then cross a goal line before being tackled to the ground. The game can be played by all ages and the unique circular field used for Kabaddi drew many spectators.

Other activities included shot put, tug-of-war, three-legged races, foot races for children and a large dancing tent for everyone. Delicious Indian food was provided for all participants and spectators, following the Sikh principals of the Langar, or “community kitchen,” in which all visitors to Gurdwaras are welcomed with free food, regardless of income, religion or background.

The Sher-E-Punjab Sports Club is an organization based out of East Kildonan. Led by Indo-Canadian parents in the community, the club provides opportunities for children and youth to participate in a variety of sports. We know that sports help to develop not only athletic skills, but also leadership and team-building skills while promoting healthier lifestyles. Neighbourhood events like these also create safer, more connected communities.

Nothing brings together a community like sports. Sports also help build bridges and create connections between friends and families. Many people from across the city and from various backgrounds came out to join in the activities together.

I was proud to recognize the incredible Sher-E-Punjab Sports Club weekend tournament event this fall in a Member’s Statement presented to the Manitoba Legislature. Congratulations to the many organizers, sponsors and volunteers that helped make the tournament a huge success. Through their efforts, our community was able to come together for a fun and exciting weekend of summer sports.

Feel free to contact my office at 204-654-1857 or by email at Matt.Wiebe@yourmanitoba.ca.