Public Statements & Op-Eds

Soccer Unites

Letter to the Editor run in the Ottawa Citizen on Monday, May 11th 2009

In recent weeks there has been an intense dialogue in these pages about whether Ottawa should support Lansdowne redevelopment, including the CFL - again - or whether a stadium in the west end should be developed for soccer. Readers might wonder why the United Nations Association in Canada would have an opinion either way on this: but we do. It has nothing to do with the merits of the individuals promoting the options. We believe that for Ottawa, and for Canada, with our wonderful diversity, soccer is the world's game. It is something that can unite us and link us to the world.

While my generation was not weaned on soccer as we were on hockey - your readers know that for anyone under 35, soccer is a game they played at school and, chances are, after school. On the global scene it is "the beautiful game." As challenging as it is for us to face, more young Canadians, of both genders, now play soccer than play hockey. Football pales beside them.

I think it clear that an investment in soccer, in whatever venue is ultimately developed, holds greater returns when it comes to healthy children and healthy communities, not just for the few, but for the majority of Ottawa citizens. So, while the Citizen editorial board has weighed in for Lansdowne and CFL, on behalf of those Ottawans who see themselves as part of the bigger world, we're all about "Sport Unites," and nothing brings the world together like soccer!

Kathryn White
Executive Director
United Nations Association in Canada