Community Partnership supports sustainable domestic sport system
This weekend at Tamanawis Park in Surrey, BC, the Women’s National Team and Men’s National Team are taking to the field as part of the Sikh Games Canada. In entering this domestic multi-sport event, national teams are leveraging the opportunity of home domestic games as a key part of the preparation for the upcoming Pan American Cup from July 24-August 3 in Uruguay. Equally crucial, they are also helping celebrate and support key work being done for community, in community and by community.
Such community growth and investment align perfectly to Field Hockey Canada’s strategic intent of domestic system building. It speaks to activation of the system at all levels, from clubs, communities, through provinces to the national and international body, all in support of a stronger sport which delivers an athlete centred approach.
Sikh Games Canada (SGC) is a multi-sport organization which hosts an annual multi-sport and cultural event for an international field of competitors. Situated out of the soon to be three field facility in Surrey, BC, the sports included in the event extend to wrestling, kabaddi, soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Among these however, it is field hockey which continues to be the showcase event of the Games. Thousands turn up to support the event over the weekend and enjoy the cultural and culinary experiences put on by SGC for the community to gather around and enjoy. It’s more than a competition — it’s a celebration of identity, diversity, and the values rooted in Seva (selfless service). A spokesperson from Sikh Games Canada said:
“Each year, over a thrilling four-day weekend, families gather at Tamanawis Park in Surrey, British Columbia, to witness five dynamic sports, enjoy free cultural showcases, and share meals prepared with love and care. There are no gates, no barriers — just open hearts and open fields.”
Accessible. Inclusive. Working for community and for national teams. What is on offer is truly special.
Field Hockey Canada remains deeply committed to building a sustainable domestic sport system and intentionally integrating community-based partnerships into our long-term vision. We believe that aligning national team objectives with grassroots and community initiatives is not only strategically important but also profoundly meaningful in strengthening the sport across all levels.
As work continues towards the completion of the third field at the Tamanawis complex later this year, Field Hockey Canada is excited to announce the creation of a partnership between Field Hockey Canada and SGC. This commitment extends to 2032 and will see the annual event transform from an international club level event into an international invitational to serve Canada’s National Teams. A commitment to Canada’s national teams to support Field Hockey Canada’s goal of building sustainable success for MNT and WNT as world top 10 teams.
Domestic transformation takes time, but with every one of these steps to build domestic strength, Canada’s long-term goals become more attainable. The partnership with SGC now guarantees three home international games each year and Field Hockey Canada doesn’t intent to stop there as CEO Susan Ahrens explains.
“We are thankful of the support of SGC and look forward to working with them to reach our shared objectives. An annual international event is a huge undertaking, and we admire and appreciate the endeavour of SGC in making this a reality for field hockey in Canada. As we launch this partnership, we continue to emphasize that, as we seek to build an annual international competitive calendar back to pre-pandemic levels while adjusting to rising costs, Field Hockey Canada is actively seeking similar partnerships in communities across Canada.”
Field Hockey Canada will also build on the success of recent home hosting of continental events as we continue to activate on the event hosting strategy and bring PAHF and FIH events to Canada. As we do, this period from 2026-2032 should see Canada achieve 8-10 international tournaments on home soil.
Field Hockey Canada is proud of this community-based partnership. It reflects our strong belief that Field Hockey Canada is our community, and our community is Field Hockey Canada. The organization remains committed to working in alignment and partnership with our stakeholders to support the growth and development of the game we all are so passionate about.
