Secretary of State van Koeverden announces a new, free-to-use soccer pitch in Beardy's & Okemasis' Cree Nation, Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatchewan. This builds on the work of the Government of Canada and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to build 25 pitches across the country, creating more places for kids to play and participate in sport, from playground to podium.

BEARDY'S & OKEMASIS' CREE NATION, TREATY 6 TERRITORY, SK, Aug. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Sport has the power to shape lives and connect people. Today, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), alongside leadership, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart), kids and community members, celebrated Beardy's & Okemasis' Cree Nation's 150th Treaty Day and announced an investment in the next generation, a new free-to-use community soccer pitch.

This project builds on the work of the Government of Canada and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to build 25 pitches across the country, creating more opportunities for kids to participate in sport, from playground to podium.

Consultations will move forward with the Beardy's & Okemasis' Cree Nation to help shape the new pitch and ensure it reflects the community's priorities and vision.

From neighbourhood matches to dreams of representing Canada on the world stage, these free-to-use soccer pitches will give kids and youth a safe place to play, belong and build confidence. At a time when Canada has just welcomed the world through sport, this initiative demonstrates how major international sporting events translate into lasting benefits for all.

This work builds on the Government of Canada's $1-billion generational investment to improve access to sport; continue hosting world-class events; upgrade stadiums, fields and community centres; and help athletes succeed.

Quotes

"Together with leadership, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, kids and community members, we're celebrating Beardy's & Okemasis' Cree Nation's 150th Treaty Day, marking an important milestone and investing in the next generation through sport. From local matches to dreams of playing on the world stage, this free-to-use community soccer pitch will give local kids a new place to play outside, participate in sport and build a lifelong connection to the game, from the playground to the podium."

—The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)

"Meaningful investment in community sport infrastructure helps ensure more children and youth can experience the confidence, connection and sense of belonging that come through play. We're grateful to Sport Canada and Beardy's & Okemasis' Cree Nation for their partnership in advancing this new community soccer pitch, and we're honoured to celebrate the community's 150th Treaty Day as we make this announcement together."

—Marco Di Buono, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

"This project represents much more than a soccer field. It is an investment in our children, families and future generations. The grand opening of this pitch is an opportunity to celebrate what can be achieved when partners work together to create meaningful opportunities for our youth."

—Chief Edwin Ananas, Beardy's and Okemasis' Cree Nation

Quick Facts

Soccer is the largest sport by participation in Canada. It is considered the fastest growing sport in the country, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds, from local fields to the world stage.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a national charity committed to enabling lifelong success through access to sport and play for children and youth across Canada by addressing financial, physical and systemic barriers.

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Associated Links

Soccer Initiative – Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

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SOURCE Canadian Heritage