It's homecoming for soccer legend and Olympic champion Christine Sinclair this weekend.
On Saturday, Sept. 9, the City of Burnaby is inviting community members for the official "kick-off" of the Christine Sinclair Community Centre — filled with plenty of free, family-friendly events.
And, in attendance will be none other than the legend herself.
The dedication event at 3713 Kensington Ave. will feature face painting, music, food trucks, family activities and a jamboree headlined by the Burnaby FC from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At 11 a.m., following a short introduction from Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, Sinclair will assist in the official unveiling of the dedication wall before signing some autographs.
Born and raised in Burnaby, the now 40-year-old started playing soccer when she was just two and went on to be one of the most successful soccer player to ever compete for Canada.
She has competed in four Olympic Games and has led Team Canada to win gold at Tokyo 2020 after back-to-back bronzes at London in 2012 and Rio in 2016.
Sinclair holds the record for the most goals in international play with 190 and is one of very few players to have achieved more than 300 international games.
"We’re incredibly excited to host this homecoming for Christine and to provide our community with the chance to celebrate her incredible achievements — both on and off the pitch," said Mayor Mike Hurley in a news release.
"Christine Sinclair is not just the greatest Canadian soccer player of all time, she is a role model for our youth and an ambassador who has helped raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis research, and we are so proud to have the opportunity to name an outstanding community facility in her honour."
She is also a recipient of the Lou Marsh Award (awarded to Canada's top athlete of the year) and the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award (awarded to Canada's female athlete of the year), and is a member of the Order of Canada.
The community centre, which spans 146,000 sq. ft., is located near Burnaby Lake — an area which is known to be the centre for sports in Burnaby.
The event day will also have some sporting activities like basketball, badminton, tiny tikes activity and more, according to the city’s website.
Parking is limited, so guests are encouraged to use public transit, bike or walk to the facility.
A bicycle valet service (for bikes of all shapes and sizes, including strollers) will be onsite.
Christine Sinclair Community Centre official opening
- When:
- Where: Christine Sinclair Community Centre (3713 Kensington Avenue)
- Cost: Free
