On July 1, 2025, the spirit of Canada Day was celebrated with energy and pride at Griffin Park Soccer Field in Brooks, Alberta, where Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) from Paraguay, Mexico, and Colombia joined Latin-Canadian youth—both Permanent Residents and Citizens—for the 2025 Canada Day TFW Soccer Exhibition.
This vibrant event brought together diverse communities through the universal language of sport. The Paraguay team triumphed as champions, receiving the top award from BCIS Manager Mohammed Idriss, who also recognized the second-place team for their outstanding performance and sportsmanship.
Behind the scenes, the success of this event was made possible by the dedication of BCIS staff who work tirelessly to support TFWs across southern Alberta:
- Harry Domiguez Barbosa, TFW Area Coordinator for Brooks, Drumheller, Hanna, and Medicine Hat, played a key role in organizing and mobilizing regional participation.
- Jorge Paas, TFW Case Worker for Brooks and Newell County, helped coordinate logistics and community outreach, ensuring strong local engagement.
- Alexander Garcia, BCIS TFW Outreach Worker, contributed to event planning and on-the-ground support, helping create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
The event not only celebrated athletic achievement but also highlighted the importance of cultural and recreational initiatives in fostering community and belonging. Building on this momentum, BCIS aims to formalize and expand its support systems by:
- Streamlining immigration assistance processes,
- Creating toolkits for permit renewals and family reunification,
- Partnering with local organizations to scale up cultural and recreational programming.
These efforts will strengthen service delivery, deepen community engagement, and continue to build a more inclusive environment where TFWs feel supported, connected, and empowered.
