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Metro Vancouver set for busy weekend of sports, highlighted by BC Lions' return to BC Place
Cricket Jul 24, 2026

Metro Vancouver set for busy weekend of sports, highlighted by BC Lions' return to BC Place

Metro Vancouver is set to host a full slate of sporting events this weekend, with the BC Lions returning to BC Place Stadium for their first home game after playing away during preparations related to the FIFA World Cup.

The Lions will face the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday at 4 p.m. To mark the team's return, a fan pool party will be held on Robson Street beginning at noon ahead of kickoff.

Soccer fans will also have several matches to watch. Vancouver FC is scheduled to take on Cavalry FC on Friday at 7 p.m., while Vancouver Rise will host the Halifax Tides on Saturday at 1 p.m.

In basketball, the Vancouver Bandits will face the Saskatchewan Rattlers on Saturday at 6 p.m. West Vancouver's Hollyburn Country Club will also host the start of the Odlum Brown VanOpen tennis tournament on Saturday. Wrestling fans can attend BOOM! Pro Wrestling at Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom later that day.

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team-canada-crowned-champions-at-the-2026-canada-cup-international-softball-championship
CricketJul 13, 2026

Team Canada crowned champions at the 2026 Canada Cup International Softball Championship

Team Canada completed a remarkable week at the 2026 Canada Cup International Softball Championship on Sunday, scoring five runs in the top of the seventh inning to erase a one-run deficit and defeat Team China 7-3 in the championship game at Softball City. After cruising through round robin and playoff action, Canada faced its toughest test of the tournament in the final. Trailing 3-2 entering the seventh, the Canadians erupted for five runs, highlighted by a three-run home run from Kelsey Harshman, to secure the Canada Cup title in dramatic fashion. Team Canada celebrate the home run from Kelsey Harshman. (Photo - Lathanuel Photography)Harshman led the offensive attack with three RBIs, while Emma Entzminger, Grace Messmer, and Harshman each collected two hits. Entzminger's game-tying triple in the fourth inning sparked Canada's comeback before Harshman's late heroics put the championship out of reach. In the circle, Sara Groenewegen started for Team Canada before Morgan Reimer delivered three strong innings of relief, allowing just one hit while striking out three to earn the victory. Canada also played flawless defence, committing no errors in the championship game. Canadian player and Chinese team member seen in action during the championship final. (Photo - Lathanuel Photography)With the victory, Team Canada capped an outstanding tournament, finishing undefeated and capturing the 2026 Canada Cup International Softball Championship in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Softball City. Emma Entzminger reacts after a powerful performance by Team Canada in the championship final at Softball City in Surrey. (Photo - Lathanuel Photography)Emma Entzminger, in an interview with News Director Pervez Sandhu said, “I am so proud of this team, and the fight continued going into the 7th inning and I had the belief in the team that we could do it and we sure did.” While talking to Connect FM, Grace Messmer said, “we are happy to be the champions after being the runner-up last year and we are happy to be in front of the home crowd and I am from here and lot of others are too.” Coach Kaleigh Rafter in the post match interview with Connect FM said, "the focus right now is going to be on each tournament at a time, but the 2028 Olympics remain the bigger goal for the team." Click the following links for the video: https://www.tiktok.com/@connec... https://www.facebook.com/reel/... https://www.instagram.com/conn...
canadian-womens-national-team-improved-to-2-0-with-a-7-0-win-over-venezuela
CricketJul 08, 2026

Canadian Women’s National Team improved to 2-0 with a 7-0 win over Venezuela

Team Canada improved to 2-0 at the 2026 Canada Cup with a convincing 7-0 victory over Venezuela on Tuesday at Softball City. Paige Simpson during the match against Venezuela. (Photo credits - Lathanuel Photography)Paige Simpson opened the scoring with a two-run single in the second inning before Canada broke the game open in the fourth, highlighted by a three-run home run from Erika Polidori and an RBI double from Emma Entzminger. Morgan Rackel earned the win in the circle, allowing just one hit while striking out six over four scoreless innings. Canada continued its strong all-around play with 10 hits, seven walks and another error-free defensive performance. Emma Entzminger in action during the match against Venezuela. (Photo credits - Lathanuel Photography)Entzminger, Grace Messmer and Zoe Hicks each recorded two hits, while Polidori drove in three runs. Team Canada returns to action Wednesday evening when they face New Zealand at 6:15 p.m. at Softball City.Erika Polidori smiles while completing a run during the game against Venezuela. (Photo credits - Lathanuel Photography)Team Canada had earlier beaten Team Brazil in it's first game on Monday. Team Canada had finished as runner-up in the tournament in 2025 after finishing as champions in the tournament with an unbeaten run in 2024. Upcoming Team Canada Schedule: Wednesday, July 8th – New Zealand vs Canada – 615PM Thursday, July 9th – Czechia vs Canada – 1PM Thursday, July 9th – Canada vs China – 6PM Friday, July 10th – Canada vs Chinese Taipei Development – 6PM
CricketJul 06, 2026

Canada's historic FIFA World Cup run ends with 3–0 Round of 16 loss to Morocco

Canada's historic FIFA World Cup campaign came to an end after a 3–0 defeat to Morocco in the Round of 16, marking the conclusion of the country's deepest-ever run at the FIFA World Cup. The first half remained scoreless as both teams created opportunities but failed to break the deadlock. Canada generated several early scoring chances, including four promising attacks within the opening 25 minutes, but Morocco's goalkeeper and defensive unit kept the match level. Morocco took control early in the second half when Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring in the 50th minute to give his side a 1–0 lead. Morocco doubled its advantage in the 82nd minute before Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time to seal the victory. The result eliminates Canada from the tournament. Despite the defeat, the co-host nation achieved a historic milestone by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in its FIFA World Cup history, representing the country's best-ever performance at the tournament.
CricketJul 02, 2026

Toronto hosts final FIFA World Cup match as Portugal faces Croatia; Vancouver stages first knockout game

Toronto will host its sixth and final FIFA World Cup match on Thursday as Portugal takes on Croatia in a Round of 32 fixture at BMO Stadium. The match is expected to mark the final World Cup appearance for two of football's most accomplished players. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has previously said this will be his last FIFA World Cup. Croatia captain Luka Modrić, 40, has also been widely reported to be considering retirement from international football following the tournament, although no official announcement has been made. According to the FIFA World Cup schedule, the day's second Round of 32 match will be played at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, where Switzerland will face Algeria. It will be the first knockout-stage World Cup match hosted in Vancouver. Switzerland advanced to the Round of 32 after finishing first and unbeaten in Group B. Algeria qualified after finishing third in Group J. Switzerland previously played at BC Place on June 24, defeating Canada 2–1 during the group stage, while Thursday's match will mark Algeria's first World Cup game on Canadian soil.

Cricket

team-canada-crowned-champions-at-the-2026-canada-cup-international-softball-championship
CricketJul 13, 2026

Team Canada crowned champions at the 2026 Canada Cup International Softball Championship

Team Canada completed a remarkable week at the 2026 Canada Cup International Softball Championship on Sunday, scoring five runs in the top of the seventh inning to erase a one-run deficit and defeat Team China 7-3 in the championship game at Softball City. After cruising through round robin and playoff action, Canada faced its toughest test of the tournament in the final. Trailing 3-2 entering the seventh, the Canadians erupted for five runs, highlighted by a three-run home run from Kelsey Harshman, to secure the Canada Cup title in dramatic fashion. Team Canada celebrate the home run from Kelsey Harshman. (Photo - Lathanuel Photography)Harshman led the offensive attack with three RBIs, while Emma Entzminger, Grace Messmer, and Harshman each collected two hits. Entzminger's game-tying triple in the fourth inning sparked Canada's comeback before Harshman's late heroics put the championship out of reach. In the circle, Sara Groenewegen started for Team Canada before Morgan Reimer delivered three strong innings of relief, allowing just one hit while striking out three to earn the victory. Canada also played flawless defence, committing no errors in the championship game. Canadian player and Chinese team member seen in action during the championship final. (Photo - Lathanuel Photography)With the victory, Team Canada capped an outstanding tournament, finishing undefeated and capturing the 2026 Canada Cup International Softball Championship in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Softball City. Emma Entzminger reacts after a powerful performance by Team Canada in the championship final at Softball City in Surrey. (Photo - Lathanuel Photography)Emma Entzminger, in an interview with News Director Pervez Sandhu said, “I am so proud of this team, and the fight continued going into the 7th inning and I had the belief in the team that we could do it and we sure did.” While talking to Connect FM, Grace Messmer said, “we are happy to be the champions after being the runner-up last year and we are happy to be in front of the home crowd and I am from here and lot of others are too.” Coach Kaleigh Rafter in the post match interview with Connect FM said, "the focus right now is going to be on each tournament at a time, but the 2028 Olympics remain the bigger goal for the team." Click the following links for the video: https://www.tiktok.com/@connec... https://www.facebook.com/reel/... https://www.instagram.com/conn...
canadian-womens-national-team-improved-to-2-0-with-a-7-0-win-over-venezuela
CricketJul 08, 2026

Canadian Women’s National Team improved to 2-0 with a 7-0 win over Venezuela

Team Canada improved to 2-0 at the 2026 Canada Cup with a convincing 7-0 victory over Venezuela on Tuesday at Softball City. Paige Simpson during the match against Venezuela. (Photo credits - Lathanuel Photography)Paige Simpson opened the scoring with a two-run single in the second inning before Canada broke the game open in the fourth, highlighted by a three-run home run from Erika Polidori and an RBI double from Emma Entzminger. Morgan Rackel earned the win in the circle, allowing just one hit while striking out six over four scoreless innings. Canada continued its strong all-around play with 10 hits, seven walks and another error-free defensive performance. Emma Entzminger in action during the match against Venezuela. (Photo credits - Lathanuel Photography)Entzminger, Grace Messmer and Zoe Hicks each recorded two hits, while Polidori drove in three runs. Team Canada returns to action Wednesday evening when they face New Zealand at 6:15 p.m. at Softball City.Erika Polidori smiles while completing a run during the game against Venezuela. (Photo credits - Lathanuel Photography)Team Canada had earlier beaten Team Brazil in it's first game on Monday. Team Canada had finished as runner-up in the tournament in 2025 after finishing as champions in the tournament with an unbeaten run in 2024. Upcoming Team Canada Schedule: Wednesday, July 8th – New Zealand vs Canada – 615PM Thursday, July 9th – Czechia vs Canada – 1PM Thursday, July 9th – Canada vs China – 6PM Friday, July 10th – Canada vs Chinese Taipei Development – 6PM
CricketJun 05, 2026

Vancouver airport expands biometric boarding ahead of FIFA World Cup travel surge

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।

Football

FootballJul 23, 2026

175 FIFA Club World Cup visitors file asylum claims in Canada, IRCC says

A number of foreign visitors who travelled to Canada during the FIFA Club World Cup have filed asylum claims after arriving in the country, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC said that as of July 20, a total of 175 people had submitted refugee protection claims after indicating on their visitor visa applications that they were travelling to Canada for the FIFA Club World Cup. The department said the number could increase as additional claims are processed. Canada issued approximately 26,000 visitor visas for the 13 tournament matches held in Toronto and Vancouver during June and July. According to IRCC, the largest number of asylum claimants were from Ghana, with 25 claims. Ghana's national team played a match in Toronto on June 17. The department also reported 15 claims each from citizens of Egypt and Colombia, and 10 from Senegal. IRCC data also shows asylum claims were filed by nationals of Pakistan, Kenya, China, Bangladesh and Nigeria, even though those countries did not have teams participating in the tournament. The department did not specify how many of the claimants were football players or members of team support staff. Before the tournament, IRCC said it had increased scrutiny of visitor visa applications to help prevent misuse of the immigration system. The department confirmed that some visa applications were refused as part of that screening process.
FootballJun 25, 2026

Canada Rejects More Than Half of FIFA World Cup Visa Applications

Canada has rejected more than half of the visa applications submitted by international football fans planning to attend the FIFA World Cup. According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), only 41 per cent of nearly 17,000 visa applications submitted by fans from more than 160 countries between Nov. 14, 2025, and March 31, 2026, were approved. The highest number of applications came from Ghana, whose national team defeated Panama in Toronto on June 17. However, fewer than 11 per cent of the 1,725 visa applications submitted by Ghanaian fans were approved. In contrast, 69 per cent of the 1,630 applications from Colombian fans were approved, even though Colombia did not play any of its group-stage matches in Canada. Meanwhile, all applications from fans in countries eligible for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program, including Australia, Germany, Croatia and New Zealand, were approved. On the other hand, all applications from countries that require visitor visas, such as Syria, Uganda and Sri Lanka, were rejected. Overall, the approval rate for countries requiring visitor visas was just 32 per cent. IRCC said the government has worked to facilitate travel for FIFA fans and players, but emphasized that security standards cannot be compromised. The data does not include American visitors, as U.S. citizens do not require either a visa or an eTA to travel to Canada.

Athletics

city-of-delta-celebrates-opening-of-new-delta-secondary-school-track
AthleticsMay 13, 2026

City of Delta celebrates opening of new Delta Secondary School track​ 

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.
denny-bao-and-juliet-zhang-win-titles-at-surrey-open-tournament
AthleticsMay 13, 2026

Denny Bao and Juliet Zhang win titles at Surrey Open tournament

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.