CFPSA - ASPFC - February 14, 2005 VICTORIA -- CFB Esquimalt will host soccer teams from Barbados, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States as they compete in the 2005 Americas Military Men's Soccer Championship. The games will be held at the University of Victoria, from February 15-24. The top two teams will advance to the Military World Championships in Warendof, Germany from June 14-26. This marks the first year that Brazil, traditionally a soccer powerhouse, will compete in the event and their presence is sure to impact the level of competition. "Brazil will bring their best possible game forward," says Roy Hillier, International Sports Manager at the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency, Ottawa. "Anytime they play in a soccer tournament, they play to win. They will definitely be the team to beat." The Canadian coaches expect their team to have a good tournament despite being pitted against the defending champions from Barbados and a strong Brazilian team. "We've scored 11 goals in three exhibition games, morale is high, and our players are extremely fit," says Jed Darville, Fitness and Sports Director in Esquimalt and Interim Head Coach. "We're really proud of the team and we expect to be competitive." The International Military Sports Council, known by its acronym, CISM (Conseil International du Sport Militaire), is overseeing the tournament. CISM is the governing body for intra-military, sports competition, and has 127 Member Nations. Their motto is ¿friendship through sport'. Canada will get another taste of international competition when CFB Borden in Barrie, Ontario, hosts the CISM Women's Soccer Military World Championship from May 25 to June 5. -30- Media outlets interested in more information on the tournament or attending games may contact Capt Darin Guenette at CFB Esquimalt Base Public Affairs, (250) 363-4371. For more information on CISM and military sporting events in general, contact Stephanie Webster, Media Relations Coordinator, CFPSA, (613) 996-6204 or webster.stephanie@cfpsa.com.
