ON July 10, MLAs Jessie Sunner (Surrey-Newton) and Jagrup Brar (Surrey-Fleetwood) attended the annual West Coast Kings Canada Cup at the Tamanawis Turf Fields in Surrey. Hosted by Surrey’s own West Coast Kings Field Hockey Society, the tournament is one of North America’s premier field hockey competitions.
Bringing together more than 45 teams from across Canada and the United States, the tournament transformed Surrey into a hub for high-level competition while welcoming families, volunteers, and spectators to enjoy a free community event celebrating one of the world’s most popular sports. Beyond the action on the field, attendees enjoyed cultural performances and langar provided by Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar.
Founded by a dedicated board with decades of experience in the sport, the West Coast Kings Field Hockey Society has become a driving force behind the growth of field hockey in the Lower Mainland.
The organization’s commitment extends far beyond hosting the Canada Cup. Through youth leagues, player development programs beginning at the secondary school level, mentorship opportunities, and scholarship initiatives, the society continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Their work focuses on building more than athletic ability. By promoting wellness, teamwork, leadership, fair play, and citizenship, the West Coast Kings provide young people between the ages of eight and 18 with opportunities to develop confidence, lifelong friendships, and valuable life skills.
Sunner and Brar met with organizers, volunteers, athletes, and families throughout the day, recognizing the countless hours of dedication that make an event of this scale possible. They applauded the West Coast Kings Field Hockey Society for creating opportunities that strengthen community connections while encouraging healthy, active lifestyles for young people.
“The West Coast Kings have built something truly special for Surrey and the entire field hockey community,” said Sunner. “As a former field hockey player who practiced on these very fields years ago, seeing the Canada Cup hosted here in the riding I now serve as MLA is incredibly meaningful. I want to thank the organizers, community volunteers, families, and sports enthusiasts who came out today to support these incredible athletes.”
Brar added, “Events like the Canada Cup demonstrate the power of community sport to bring people together. The West Coast Kings have created a welcoming environment where athletes can compete at a high level while inspiring young people to see what is possible through dedication and hard work. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this tournament such a tremendous success.”
As one of North America’s leading field hockey clubs, the West Coast Kings have earned a reputation for excellence through their success in tournaments across the continent. Their continued investment in youth development and community engagement ensures that Surrey remains an important centre for field hockey while fostering a culture of inclusion, sportsmanship, and opportunity.
The Canada Cup once again demonstrated how community-led organizations can create a lasting impact by bringing together athletes, families, and volunteers to celebrate sport, inspire young people, and strengthen the bonds that make Surrey such a vibrant and welcoming community.
(Submitted)
