To celebrate Welcoming Week this year, the city invites the community to participate in and watch a soccer tournament on Saturday, Sept. 23.
Welcoming Week, Sept. 15-24, is an annual series of events across the country to celebrate inclusive communities. This is a movement of Welcoming America, a network of communities that are committed to making everyone feel like they belong, believing that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors to and vital to the success of their communities.
The tournament, with support from local organizations and individuals in the soccer community, will take place at the Riverside Park west fields, 650 Riverside Drive, starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, and lasting all day. Parking is at the school and the playground is open for families. Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be available.
The number of teams will be limited to eight total; teams will be accepted by application on a first-come, first-served basis. Teams must have a minimum of 11 players (10, plus a captain). The team entry fee is $50, made payable to the City of Battle Creek.
The winning team will receive the entry-fee pot and a trophy.
Those with questions should contact Jacob Schacht, assistant to the city manager, at 269-966-3378 or jrschacht@battlecreekmi.gov. The application deadline is 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, to the City Manager’s Office, room 206 at City Hall, 10 N. Division St.
Get the application on the city’s website, at http://battlecreekmi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4144, or navigate to battlecreekmi.gov, then scroll down to the City Spotlight section.
The City Commission in April 2016 approved a resolution to affirm Battle Creek as a Welcoming City, recognizing that inclusion of all members of the community is essential to meeting the city’s mission of ensuring a safe, prosperous, and culturally enriched community.
Communities, including Battle Creek, envision opportunities for all people to reach their greatest potential. They recognize people’s unique backgrounds, perspectives and talents, as well as the benefits to engaging these qualities in all of our neighbors.