The 2023 Canada Cup 鈥� the premier women鈥檚 softball event in Canada 鈥� is underway at Softball City in South Surrey, and Ukraine鈥檚 U19 National Team is taking part.
The Canada Cup wants to show support for the international visitors with Ukraine Day at Softball City, 2201 148 St., and as part of the day鈥檚 events, Team Ukraine will play two games on Tuesday, July 11:
鈥� Ukraine vs Fraser Valley Fusion 05 鈥� 10:30 a.m. 鈥� Softball City (Diamond 4)
鈥� Ukraine vs Aloha Breeze 18U 鈥� 3:30 p.m. 鈥� Softball City (Diamond 1)
Ukrainian players and coaches will be made available to media after both games, noted a Canada Cup release.
鈥淥f the 104 teams from around the world playing in this year鈥檚 Canada Cup, none have faced the adversity of reaching Surrey like Team Ukraine. The war in their country has placed a tremendous strain on the country鈥檚 ability to financially support the participation of their athletes on the world stage,鈥� the release said.
鈥淒espite this, the leadership of Ukraine continued to encourage its athletes and their desire to proudly represent their flag in international competition.鈥�
Canada Cup organizers launched a fundraising campaign to help bring the team to Canada and the outpouring of support was overwhelming, with more than 1,100 individual donations and 鈥渁n amazing show of support from the B.C. business community combined to reach the fundraising target of $60,000 in just over a week!鈥�
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Now in its 30th year, the tournament showcases some of the top female athletes from across Canada and the world, as well as more than 1,600 athletes at the national and club level.
The International Softball Championship held a media availability for Team Canada availability on Friday (July 7) at Softball City, where several players with local roots, including three former White Rock Renegades, showed some of their skills on the ball field.
South Surrey鈥檚 Madelyn McKinnon, a Semiahmoo Secondary grad, currently plays with McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas.
A former Renegade, along with White Rock pitcher Sara Groenewegen and Maple Ridge鈥檚 Larissa Franklin, this is McKinnon鈥檚 second year competing on Team Canada.
鈥淚鈥檝e been taking what the coaches told me (last year) with me and working on it all year, so this year, I鈥檓 just super excited to be back with the team and representing Canada,鈥� she told Peace Arch News on Friday.
鈥淐anda Cup is always so much fun and it鈥檚 close to my house, so all my friends and family will be her, so being able to represent Canada in my hometown is extra special.鈥�
For the tournament, volunteer drivers with Class 1, 2 or 4 licenses are still needed to transport women鈥檚 fastpitch teams through July 18.
Transport will be to and from the teams鈥� local accommodations to Softball City, and YVR (Vancouver International Airport)
Volunteer drivers get a free meal each shift they work, a Canada Cup shirt and can watch games for free the entire week (when not on shift).
Volunteers are encouraged to call the Canada Cup office at 604-536-9287.
Canada Cup tickets are currently on sale, and range in price based on what buyers purchase.
From day passes (up to $27) and evening passes (up to $23), to Gold (up to $160), Silver (up to $60), Platinum and VIP passes that are valid July 7-16, all Canada Cup tickets can be purchased at
For more information about the tournament, visit
鈥� with files from Sobia Moman
tricia.weel@peacearchnews.com
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