Local Poles, Ukrainians into Euro Cup

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This article was published 06/06/2012 (5211 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s no place like home.

Those famous words from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz best describe the sentiment of two Winnipeg communities leading into the 2012 UEFA Euro Cup, set for June 8 in Poland and Ukraine.

With some of the largest Polish and Ukrainian communities in Canada situated in Winnipeg, the level of patriotism for the two European countries is at an all-time high.

And there’s no one more envious of Dorothy’s ruby slippers in the movie than 28-year-old Rafal Miroslawski, an active member of the city’s Polish community.

“It’s all the talk of the community,” he said in a recent phone interview. “The feeling is the same for us as it was when the city got the Jets back.”

Even though its been tough watching a number of friends depart to their homeland to take in one of soccer’s greatest tournaments first-hand, Miroslawski is looking forward to watching the games in Winnipeg.

Miroslawski, a member of Polonia, a local Polish soccer club in the Manitoba Major Soccer League, said it won’t be surprising to see a number of white-and-red jerseys with the Polish White Eagle popping up in all corners of the city.

“We are very proud to be Polish. For that 30 days, people will have the chance to feel that culture shock. We get to show the city what we’re all about, and being able to showcase that is just amazing.”

This past weekend, Miroslawski helped organize Polish Fest, an annual cultural event held at Garden City Community Club.

Naturally, the event included a pickup soccer game.

“Soccer is the foundation of our culture and something we can all embrace,” he said.

Poland will kick off the tournament’s first game on the evening of June 8 against Greece.

He said he doesn’t have any plans etched in stone just yet, but he’s not too worried. “All it takes it one phone call. Someone says, ‘OK, the game is at my place,’ and the wives or girlfriends and kids all head down,” he said.

The Polish community won’t be the only host team flexing its cultural muscles in our 204 area code.

Since the early 1900s, Winnipeg has been home to one of the largest Ukrainian communities in Canada.

But according to Winnipegger Peter Manastyrsky, it wasn’t until years after Ukraine gained independence in 1991 that soccer began to grow there and in Winnipeg.

“Now, it’s an advantage for Ukrainians to show that they have a lot of talent and a lot of manpower to compete with the best teams and represent their country at the Euro Cup 2012.”

Manastyrsky said that pride is much needed by Ukraine and its population of just under 50 million.

“The country needs some kind of world event to show the world that Ukrainians can succeed in accommodating everyone,” Manastyrsky said. “It will unite Ukrainians and show that they can provide a game, a service, a venue and a hospitality like anyone else in this world can.

“It’s a first for Ukrainians, and it’s something big for them.”

Manastyrsky coaches Dynamo Soccer Club, a local Ukrainian team in the Third Division of the Manitoba Major Soccer League.

Whether it’s on his own field or the international stage, the high level of patriotism for his family roots is clear.

“When the players go out in their in the yellow and blue colours… you’re representing a strong background of people, a particular nationality,” he said. “It’s (Euro Cup) going to play a significant role in keeping that identity.”

Where to watch games

Croatia

Croatian Community Centre

22 Skazyk Rd., Lockport

England

Kingshead Pub

120 King St.

France

Le Garage Café

166 Provencher Blvd.

Germany

The German Club

285 Flora Ave.

Greece

Original George’s Burgers and Subs

1141 St. Mary’s Rd.

135 Boyne Ave. W,, Morris Italy

Winnipeg’s Little Italy, Corydon Avenue

Portugal

The Bomba Club

611 Sargent Ave.

Luso Canadian Club

913 Sargent Ave.

Ireland

Clancy’s

1133 Princess Ave., Brandon Shannon’s Irish Pub

175 Carlton St.