The World Cup brought an incredible energy to Vancouver this summer, and DDA clients and staff were right there enjoying it. From cheering on the teams to taking in the excitement throughout the city, our community had plenty of opportunities to come together, celebrate, and be part of the global soccer experience. It was a memorable summer and a great reminder that there’s always more fun when we experience it together.
Our Curzon residents had the opportunity to watch the Canada vs. Morocco match in downtown Vancouver. Although Team Canada lost, Charles, Alyssa, Henrik, Michael, and Aiden, and our staff, felt the experience itself was truly special. Surrounded by thousands of passionate fans, cheering crowds, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city, everyone enjoyed being part of such a remarkable event.
A special thank you to our staff, Sooraj, Gemino, and Belinda, for taking this initiative and helping our people experience the World Cup on home soil.
DDA’s Living Options Program also held a World Cup Party at the Richmond Presbyterian Church on No. 2 Road. The hall was festooned in red; everyone wore something that displayed their love of Canada. And we managed to get the game on the big screen on the wall.
Next up, the Victoria Day Program attended various FIFA World Cup watch parties throughout the Lower Mainland. Some of the favourite watch party areas were Ladner, Brentwood, and Jack Poole Plaza – they even managed to get seen on one of the FIFA live stream broadcasts! The FIFA fan festival in Hastings Park was also a favourite for participants because there was lots of free merchandise they could keep. For some games, viewing parties were hosted at our Victoria Day Program location. By inviting other programs to come by and watch, they could spend time and interact with each other.
The fun didn’t end there! The kids at our Champlain Child Development Centre made the trip downtown to see the huge Science World soccer ball, and then one of the dads set up a big screen at the centre so they didn’t miss the action!
Although Canada didn’t go all the way, we are all very proud of the effort in 2026 and hope the team can pull through and lace up the cleats for FIFA 2030!
