BC power demand expected to approach summer record amid heat and FIFA Club World Cup weekend

Electricity demand in British Columbia is expected to climb close to record summer levels as high temperatures coincide with the start of FIFA Club World Cup matches this weekend. According to BC Hydro, temperatures are forecast to peak over the next two to three days, with electricity demand expected to reach about 8,500 megawatts on Monday. The utility said the highest summer demand on record was set in August 2025, when electricity use reached 8,652 megawatts. BC Hydro said the provincial power system is prepared to handle the increased load and that sufficient generating capacity is available to meet customer demand during the hot weather period.

Elementary school students from Metro Vancouver are set to enjoy a memorable opportunity during the seven FIFA World Cup matches being hosted in Vancouver. Through FIFA’s Player Escort Program, students involved with the Canada SCORES program will accompany the starting 11 players from each team onto the pitch before kickoff. Charlotte Ring, National Manager of Development and Marketing for Canada SCORES, said the experience will be an incredible one for the children, many of whom might not otherwise have the chance to be part of such a major global sporting event. After completing their duties as player escorts, the students will also be given the opportunity to watch the matches live from the stadium stands, making the experience even more special and unforgettable.

A new controversy has emerged ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with reports that some football officials and staff have faced extended questioning and travel difficulties at U.S. airports in the days leading up to the tournament. The latest case involves Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali international referee and one of Africa's prominent match officials. According to reports, Artan was denied entry into the United States upon arrival at Miami International Airport and was subsequently returned to Istanbul. Reports indicate that Artan was travelling on a diplomatic passport. However, U.S. authorities have not publicly explained the reasons for the decision, and no official statement detailing the circumstances has been released. The incident comes amid broader concerns related to travel arrangements and logistics ahead of the World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The reported denial of entry has prompted questions within football circles about access and travel procedures for tournament-related personnel.

Vancouver has been ranked the best host city among the 16 cities set to stage matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to a ranking published by U.S.-based sports magazine Sports Illustrated. The publication cited Vancouver’s public transit network, walkability and moderate climate as key factors behind its top placement. Seattle ranked second on the list, while Toronto placed third. According to the ranking, Vancouver may also be a more affordable destination for fans travelling from the United States and Europe because the Canadian dollar remains weaker than the U.S. dollar and the euro. Sports Illustrated placed San Francisco at the bottom of the rankings, citing the distance between the host stadium and the city's downtown core as a significant drawback for visitors. Meanwhile, FIFA has reversed a previously announced ban on reusable water bottles inside stadiums during tournament matches. The change affects fan access policies as organizers continue preparations for the 2026 event.

The Alberta government has announced funding for five major sporting events taking place across the province this year, including four events scheduled in Edmonton and surrounding communities. According to the provincial government, $1.3 million has been provided through the Alberta Major Sport Event Grant Program to support national and international competitions. The funding also includes support for seven sporting events that were held earlier this year. Upcoming events receiving support include the North American Cup Series from June 26 to 28, the Edmonton Athletics Invitational on July 12, the U17 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship in Calgary from July 29 to Aug. 2, and the Canadian BMX Championship in St. Albert on Aug. 29 and 30. The province says more than 12,000 athletes, coaches, officials and spectators are expected to attend the events. Officials say the competitions are expected to generate economic activity while supporting sport development and tourism in host communities.

ਵੈਨਕੂਵਰ ਇੰਟਰਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਏਅਰਪੋਰਟ ਨੇ ਫੀਫਾ ਵਰਲਡ ਕੱਪ ਦੇ ਮੱਦੇਨਜ਼ਰ ਮੁਸਾਫ਼ਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਭੀੜ ਨੂੰ ਸੰਭਾਲਣ ਲਈ ਬਾਇਓਮੈਟ੍ਰਿਕ ਬੋਰਡਿੰਗ ਦਾ ਇਸਤੇਮਾਲ ਵਧਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਉਡੀਕ ਸਮੇਂ ਵਿਚ ਕਮੀ ਨੋਟਿਸ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ। ਏਅਰਪੋਰਟ ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਾਸਨ ਮੁਤਾਬਕ, ਹੁਣ ਹਵਾਈ ਅੱਡੇ 'ਤੇ 42 ਬਾਇਓਮੈਟ੍ਰਿਕ-ਗੇਟ ਕੰਮ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। ਔਫੀਸਰ ਦਾ ਕਹਿਣਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਇਸ ਕਦਮ ਨਾਲ ਬੋਰਡਿੰਗ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਵਿਚ ਕਰੀਬ 13 ਫੀਸਦੀ ਤੇਜ਼ੀ ਆਉਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਚੌਕੀਆਂ 'ਤੇ ਨਵੀਂ ਸੀਟੀ ਸਕ੍ਰੀਨਿੰਗ ਤਕਨਾਲੋਜੀ ਵੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ, ਇਸ ਦਾ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡਾ ਫਾਇਦਾ ਇਹ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ ਕਿ ਯਾਤਰੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਬੈਗ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਤਰਲ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਅਤੇ ਵੱਡੇ ਇਲੈਕਟ੍ਰਾਨਿਕਸ ਉਪਕਰਣ ਬਾਹਰ ਕੱਢਣ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਵੇਗੀ। ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਫੀਫਾ ਟੂਰਨਾਮੈਂਟ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਹਵਾਈ ਅੱਡੇ 'ਤੇ ਲਗਭਗ 2.7 ਮਿਲੀਅਨ ਮੁਸਾਫ਼ਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਆਉਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਜਤਾਈ ਹੈ ਯਾਨੀ ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਦੇ ਹਿਸਾਬ ਨਾਲ ਲਗਭਗ 88,000 ਯਾਤਰੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਵੈਨਕੂਵਰ ਏਅਰਪੋਰਟ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਸਫਰ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਪਿਛਲੇ ਸਾਲ ਦੇ ਮੁਕਾਬਲੇ 5 ਤੋਂ 10 ਫੀਸਦੀ ਦਾ ਵਾਧਾ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ।

Spectators attending FIFA World Cup matches at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium will no longer be permitted to bring reusable water bottles into the venue under a new policy announced ahead of the tournament. According to FIFA, the restriction was introduced for security reasons. The organization said reusable bottles could potentially be used as projectiles, creating safety risks for spectators, staff, and participants. The change comes just before tournament play begins in Vancouver. BC Place is scheduled to host its first World Cup match on June 13, featuring Australia and Türkiye. FIFA said several other North American tournament venues already prohibit outside bottles. To help spectators manage summer temperatures, the organization said misting stations, cooling tents, and hydration stations will be available outside the stadium, while bottled water will be sold inside the venue. Some fans and environmental advocates have raised concerns about the policy, citing the potential cost of purchasing water inside the stadium and the possibility of increased plastic waste from single-use bottles.

Canada earned a 2–0 victory over Uzbekistan in an international friendly Monday evening as both teams continued preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Jonathan Osorio opened the scoring in the 58th minute, giving Canada the lead with a second-half goal in his 90th international appearance for the national team. Jayden Nelson later added a second goal to secure the win. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau played the opening half before Dane St. Clair took over after halftime as part of a planned rotation, according to team officials. The match served as a final tune-up ahead of the World Cup, which begins later this month. Canada is scheduled to open Group B play against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto. Uzbekistan is preparing for its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. The team is set to begin tournament play on June 17 against Colombia in Mexico City.

ਇੰਟਰਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਕ੍ਰਿਕਟ ਕੌਂਸਲ ਨੇ ਕ੍ਰਿਕਟ ਕੌਂਸਲ ਦੀ ਮੈਂਬਰਸ਼ਿਪ ਨੂੰ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵ ਨਾਲ ਸਸਪੈਂਡ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ। ਆਈ.ਸੀ.ਸੀ. ਨੇ ਇਹ ਕਦਮ ਭ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟਾਚਾਰ, ਮੈਚ ਫਿਕਸਿੰਗ ਅਤੇ ਵਿੱਤੀ ਮੈਨਜਮੈਂਟ ਦੇ ਦੋਸ਼ਾਂ ਕਾਰਨ ਉਠਾਇਆ ਹੈ। ਹਾਲ ਹੀ ਵਿਚ ਸੀ.ਬੀ.ਸੀ. ਨੇ ਕ੍ਰਿਕਟ ਕੈਨੇਡਾ ਦੀਆਂ ਵੱਡੀਆਂ ਹਸਤੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਭ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟਾਚਾਰ ਅਤੇ ਮੈਚਾਂ ਦੇ ਕੁਝ ਹਿੱਸਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਫਿਕਸ ਕਰਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੋਣ ਦਾ ਖੁਲਾਸਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ। ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਅਹਿਮਦਾਬਾਦ ਵਿਚ ਹੋਈ ਇੱਕ ਅਹਿਮ ਬੋਰਡ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਆਈ.ਸੀ.ਸੀ. ਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਵੈੱਬਸਾਈਟ 'ਤੇ ਬਿਆਨ ਜਾਰੀ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਸੰਸਥਾ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਮੈਂਬਰਸ਼ਿਪ ਦੀਆਂ ਸ਼ਰਤਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਜ਼ਿੰਮੇਵਾਰੀਆਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੀਤੀਆਂ ਗਈਆਂ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਉਲੰਘਣਾਵਾਂ ਕਾਰਨ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ। ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ, ਕੈਨੇਡਾ ਦੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਕਟ ਟੀਮ ਫਿਰ ਵੀ ਆਈ.ਸੀ.ਸੀ. ਦੀ ਨਿਗਰਾਨੀ ਅਧੀਨ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਟੂਰਨਾਮੈਂਟਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਲੈ ਸਕੇਗੀ। ਇਸ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਆਈ.ਸੀ.ਸੀ. ਨੇ ਇਹ ਗੱਲ ਸਾਫ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਮੈਂਬਰਸ਼ਿਪ ਦੀ ਬਹਾਲੀ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕ੍ਰਿਕਟ ਕੈਨੇਡਾ ਬੋਰਡ ਨੂੰ ਫੰਡਿੰਗ ਵਿਚ ਪਾਰਦਰਸ਼ਤਾ, ਗਵਰਨੈਂਸ ਅਤੇ administrative ਵਰਗੇ ਮੁੱਦਿਆਂ 'ਤੇ ਸ਼ਰਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ।

The Province, City of Vancouver and BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) have released updated estimates of costs, offsetting revenues and economic benefits for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Vancouver. The World Cup, which begins next month in Vancouver, is estimated to cost between $685 million to $729 million. The figures were released today by the province’s Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Minister Anne Kang and the province’s Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon. "Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 is an incredible opportunity to welcome the world, while supporting local businesses, creating jobs and delivering lasting benefits for B.C.'s economy," said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. "Thanks to careful planning, disciplined financial management and participation from our partners, the Province's projected overall net provincial costs of hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches have been reduced by $31 million compared to 2025 estimates." Last year’s projections for the tournament were between $532 million to $624 million. However, the province says the majority of the cost will be covered by revenue from a 2.5 per cent tax on short-term accommodations in Vancouver, as well as contributions from the federal government and other revenue streams. According to the new projections, the gross cost of $595 million to $615 million will be offset by this revenue, leaving a net cost of $90 million to $114 million. According to the government, this cost is lower than the net cost projection of $145 million presented in 2025. Connect FM also asked Anne kang about the possibility of a transit strike during the World Cup and how the government plans to keep the city and the guests moving. Minister Kang said, “we are encouraging the workers to get back on the bargaining table to discuss issues that they have, we really appreciate the work that they do around the province and hopefully there’s no strike but this question will be best answered by the ministry of transportation.”

Hockey Canada says it has started the process of hiring a new general manager and head coach for the national women’s hockey team following the departures of Gina Kingsbury and Troy Ryan. The organization announced Tuesday that Kingsbury will not return after serving eight years as general manager of the women’s program. Kingsbury also serves as general manager of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Toronto Sceptres. Ryan, who coached Canada to Olympic gold at the 2022 Beijing Games and three women’s world championship titles during his six-year tenure, previously announced in February that he would step away from the national team program. He was recently named head coach and general manager of the PWHL expansion franchise in San Jose after three seasons behind the bench in Toronto. According to Hockey Canada, contracts for both Kingsbury and Ryan were set to expire in June, with the departures described as a mutual decision between the parties. Hockey Canada said a search committee has been formed to identify a new general manager, who will then oversee the hiring of the next head coach for the women’s national team program.

Jasmine Mander was 5 years old when he father, Dildar Mander, took her to a soccer field. That was her first introduction to soccer. At the time, Dildar Mander's daughter had no idea what kind of heights could be achieved in this game. The journey that started with his father taking her to the field, saw many achievements including her association with the Canadian women soccer team that won gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Jasmine was a staff member of that gold medal Canadian Soccer Team. But in this career full of achievements, Jasmine saw a period about two years ago, where the drone controversy happened and Jasmine had to face a ban. But players know how to get up after falling, and Jasmine did the same making a strong comeback into the game. Jasmine has joined the Irish women's national team as a performance analyst. A strong comeback Jasmine Mander, after staying away from the game due to the drone controversy for around a year, has made a strong comeback once again and has started serving as a performance analyst with the Irish national women's team. Jasmine said that she had a conversation with the Irish coach and she had shown a lot of interest in adding Jasmine to the team. Jasmine said that she understands that the Irish team has the potential to play well and joining them seemed like a good opportunity and that is why she decided to join the team. Jasmine said that she is currently moving forward with the goal of taking the Irish team to the World Cup. Jasmine says that her focus is currently on the Irish team and has not yet made a decision about what other opportunities can be explored in the future. Feeling satisfied Jasmine says that she wanted to work with high-level teams and that is what has happened. She said that her focus was not on the club level or university level at the moment, and there is still a lot of unfinished business at the high level that she is trying to complete. Jasmine's father is also a fan of the game of soccer and knows and understands the game, and Jasmine said that he is also happy with this kind of comeback. Difficult times came with a lesson Jasmine says that during difficult times she learned what issues to focus on and what the priorities should be. She said that the good thing was that even in those difficult circumstances, her love for the game did not decrease. She said that that time taught her that sometimes in professional work one can feel very lonely and your heights and achievements can be very high but any small mistake can bring you down. She said that the support of the family always helped her cope during difficult times. Jasmine says that her football career is quite long and even if she thought to step aside from football and pursue a career in physiotherapy, she never took it seriously and kept the focus on coaching. Family support Jasmine feels lucky that her family helped her cope during the ban. She said that there are two types of people, one who truly support you and stay with you at every step (high or low), and the other who is with you only during the good times. Jasmine said that many people around the world knew that this was just a phase and that this too would pass soon. She said that when the difficult period began, it seemed that everyone's attention was focused on this issue, but after some time, she understood that there was no need to be discouraged and the hesitation to talk about this problem was also gone. Advice to people going through a struggle Jasmine says that when people struggle or face a difficult time, it is important to stay positive in some way or the other. She said that she was lucky that family and friends took care of her, but everyone's situation is different and everyone needs to ensure lifting themselves in their own way. People should support soccer Jasmine says that the game needs the support of the people for its success and in the area. She said that if more people buy tickets and watch the games, it will give a boost to the players. Jasmine said that while participation is essential for the development of the sport, it is also important for the people of the area to go and watch the competitions, as this will encourage the players and also keep the financial support coming to keep the game alive. To watch the interview, click the following link:&t=954s

On Saturday, the Vancouver Whitecaps played the Vaisakhi match at the iconic BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. The team dedicated its April 4 match to Vaisakhi and for this reason, the match against the Portland Timbers was named the Vaisakhi match. Bhangra performance by Naam Bhangra, Anmol Rattan and YBC Bhangra at BC Place stadium.During the Vaisakhi celebrations, performances related to Bhangra and Punjabi music were seen during the pre-game and half-time. More than 24,400 spectators had arrived to watch this match. Bhangra performance by Naam bhangra, Anmol Rattan and UBC bhangra during the Vaisakhi match at BC Place stadium.Before the match, at around 7:15 pm, Naam Bhangra, Amol Rattan and UBC Bhangra performed Bhangra. After this, at around 8.30pm, Inderpal Moga and Channi Nattan entertained the audience with Punjabi singing at half-time. Both the performances received a great response from all sections of the audience. Channi Nattan and Inderpal Moga perform during the Vaisakhi match at BC Place stadium.These Punjabi performances were organized by Connect Media Network. Arshdeep Singh from Connect Media network seen engaging with match audience before the game.Connect Media Network had also set-up photo booth at the Terry Fox plaza where audience got entertained through various activities including music and photo opportunities. Vancouver Whitecaps team did not disappoint the audience in the Vaisakhi match, as they won 3-2 in a close match against the Portland Timbers. Whitecaps' had taken a 1-0 lead in front of the home crowd thanks to Ocampo's goal in the 6th minute. However, the Timbers equalized in the 36th minute and then scored in stoppage time after the completion of the regular time of the first half to take a 2-1 lead. Despite creating continuous chances, the Vancouver Whitecaps team could not score a goal in the regular time of the second half, but the team got a penalty in the stoppage time, which was converted into a goal by captain Thomas Muller. Vancouver Whitecaps team on attack during the Vaisakhi match against Portland Timbers.The Whitecaps team continued to attack in the final moments of the match, and this paid off as Sebastian Berhalter scored a goal to give the Whitecaps' a 3-2 victory. With this, the Vancouver Whitecaps team has now won 5 out of 6 matches in the league. The team had won 4-1 against the Timbers in the match held on March 7 this season. The Punjabi live broadcast of all the home matches of the Vancouver Whitecaps can be heard on Connect 91.5FM.

Last Saturday, on International Mother Language Day, Punjabi (speaking and understanding) audience for the first time, got to hear commentary of a Major League Soccer match in Punjabi. Connect 91.5 FM aired the Vancouver Whitecaps game live in Punjabi. In addition to the game, there was a pre-game show and a post-game show. On this historic occasion, the commentary was handled by Connect FM's News Director Parvez Sandhu, and young commentators Jagraj Lali and Shubham Arora. This Punjabi commentary partnership between Connect FM and the Whitecaps was not limited to a single match, but rather this partnership is for the entire season and Connect FM will broadcast all 17 of the Whitecaps' home matches live. The Whitecaps won 1-0 in Saturday's match. The Whitecaps' next home match will be played on Saturday, February 28. The commentary of the match in Punjabi will be available on Connect FM from 6 pm onwards. CBC reporter Poornima Francis in conversation with Connect FM News Director Pervez SandhuIn last Saturday's match, other media also covered the Punjabi commentary of Connect FM and reported about it. The following links can be clicked to watch it: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada... https://www.tiktok.com/@cbcbri...

On June 2, 2025, the City of Delta, in partnership with the Delta School District and Province of BC, officially opened a new track and infield at Delta Secondary School — a $5 million project funded through the Province’s Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs Growing Communities Fund. The upgraded facility features a six-lane synthetic running surface, new grass infield sized for soccer and rugby, combination rugby/soccer goals, two long jump runways configured for para-athletes, new drainage and irrigation, perimeter lighting, and improved pedestrian access to Memorial Park. Students from Delta Secondary and nearby elementary schools joined Delta Council, Surrey-City Centre MLA Amna Shah, Delta South MLA Ian Paton, school trustees, and Tsawwassen First Nation representatives for the opening. To symbolize “hitting the ground running,” students carried out a baton relay on the new track.    Mayor George V. Harvie said the project underscores Delta’s commitment to community wellness: “This beautiful new track and field is a wonderful amenity for both the school and public. By updating and maintaining these essential community spaces, we provide important resources for everyone to lead an active and healthy lifestyle." High-performance athletics coach and City Councillor Jessie Dosanjh added that the investment will pay dividends for young athletes and the community. Parents and students at the event told Connect FM the new track finally puts Delta on par with neighbouring districts. “Before, our kids were training on a cracked surface. Now they can compete at the highest level,” said one parent. The new facility will be used by both Delta school athletics and community groups, offering year-round access thanks to its synthetic surface and drainage system. Sources: City of Delta, Province of BC announcement, Connect FM on-site reporting, quotes from Mayor Harvie, MLAs, students and parents.

The Surrey Open tennis tournament concluded Sunday at Newton Athletic Park, showcasing both rising stars and local talent in one of the city’s largest annual sports competitions. In the men’s open category, 19-year-old Denny Bao of Vancouver captured the title with a 6-4, 6-2 win over veteran finalist Henry Ren, who has now reached three consecutive Surrey Open finals. Bao earned the $7,100 top prize, while Ren collected $3,550 as runner-up. The women’s singles final saw Richmond’s Juliet Zhang, 30, defeat 14-year-old newcomer Lyza Dovopol 6-2, 6-1. Zhang said the win was especially meaningful: “To see such young talent like Lyza competing already is inspiring. This tournament is helping grow tennis in BC.” Local players also had their share of success. Newton Tennis Club’s Rajdeep Singh edged out Harpreet Bhagtana in a thrilling 3.0 singles final (6-3, 4-6, 10-7). In the 4.5 singles, Ravneet Gill, 28, defeated Surrey Police Service officer Harman Gosal, 29, with a 7-6, 6-4 victory. Organizer Pavan Sahni told Connect FM the event drew strong participation: “The Surrey Open is about more than titles — it’s about giving local players a stage. Every year we see more registrations, and the community really comes out to support.” Spectators at the finals said they appreciated the chance to see both international-level talent and homegrown players on the same courts. One Delta resident said: “This shows Surrey is not just a soccer or cricket city — tennis is becoming part of our sports culture too.” The Surrey Open, with prize money of $45,000 across divisions, is now regarded as one of BC’s top community tournaments and a stepping stone for young players eyeing national rankings. Sources: On-site reporting by Connect FM News; interviews with players, organizers, and spectators.

Canada's women's team won the bronze medal in the 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Relay Championships in Botswana. The team also qualified for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing. The Punjabi-origin runner from Delta, Jasneet Nijjar was also a part of this medal winning team. The team of Zoe Sherar, Lauren Gale, Jasneet Nijjar and Savannah Sutherland won the bronze medal with a timing of 3 minutes 22.66 seconds. After the medal-winning performance, Zoe Sherar said that the team's goal was to compete better and give a tough fight to the other teams, and the team was confident of winning a medal. City Councillor from Delta and coach of Jasneet Nijjar, Jessie Dosanjh, also expressed happiness over the team and especially Jasneet's performance. Savannah Sutherland, who ran fourth for the team, said that the three team members who ran first had done a great job, and she knew that now the responsibility of the medal was on her and she gave it her all for the last lap. Earlier, the team had clocked 3 minutes 23.52 seconds during the heats of the same event, but the team improved its performance even more in the final. Coach Jessie Dosanjh said that Jasneet Nijjar is also very happy with her performance.