After coaching the Cowichan 49ers to the Island masters soccer championship and a berth in the provincial semifinals earlier this spring, Kevin James is back to work this Saturday at the MS Kick for the Cure.
The fundraiser for multiple sclerosis has been held annually for several years, but thanks to a partnership between the Island Savings Centre, Tide Soccer Academy and the Cowichan Valley Soccer Association, this will be its first time at the Sherman Road soccer fields.
“The goal of this event is to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis while having a great time playing soccer,” James says on the event’s website (mskickforthecure.com).
James’s wife, Darcie, was diagnosed with MS shortly after they were married in 2001. The help they received from the MS Centre Southern Vancouver Island Chapter inspired them to start the soccer-themed fundraiser.
Participants ages six and up are asked to bring a monetary pledge to the field on Saturday, where they will be sorted into age groups (6-8, 9-11, 12-15, 16 and up) and teams. All players receive an event T-shirt and are entered into a prize draw. Prizes will also be awarded to the top overall fundraisers.
The first games begin at 10 a.m.
To register in advance, email Darcy Kulai at dkulai@cvrd.bc.ca with the player’s name, age and T-shirt size. Pledge forms can be found on the website or at the Island Savings Centre.
In-person registration is allowed on Saturday, provided the participant comes with the minimum pledge,=,
Sponsors for the event include Accent Screenprinting, Corix, Cowichan Eyecare, Cowichan Valley Soccer Association, Craig Street Brewing Company, Darren Meiner - Remax of Duncan, Flynn’s Fish N Chips, New Wave Artificial Grass, RingPartner, Soccer City, Soccer World, Sports Traders Duncan, Summit Mechanical Systems, Tide Soccer, Tousaw Law Corporation, Vancouver Island Physiotherapy Clinic, WestJet, and the World Cups Youth Soccer Festival.