Once again this year, the Corporation de développement économique de la MRC de Montmagny (CDEMM) invited the region’s TFWs to take part in an intercultural soccer tournament pitting six teams against each other. 75 temporary foreign workers from Guatemala, Mexico, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia competed in friendly matches, sharing their passion for the game.
Text and photos: Marie-Anne Dayé
The excitement was palpable not only on the pitch, but also off the sidelines. Latin American and North African rhythms, among others, kept participants, organizers and volunteers dancing, as they gathered in small, smiling groups to move to the beat of the music.
The aim of this activity was to give TFWs a chance to relax outside work, bond with each other and enjoy their favorite sport, as well as providing them with essential information. It was also a good excuse to offer them support and a space where they could ask questions without embarrassment.
The CNESST prevention squad was on hand to provide information on labour standards and occupational health and safety, alongside the InfoTET team who distributed general information guides. Cyclo Nord-Sud donated twelve refurbished bikes to TETs, also providing helmets and maintenance kits.
Promoting independence
For Victoria Garcia Lopez, her new bike will make everyday life a lot easier. Last January, she left Veracruz, Mexico, with her young child to settle in Quebec with her husband, who had been there since September 2023. She tried to find a job in her field, industrial engineering, but the language barrier was a major obstacle. She was advised to work for a company such as Tim Hortons, while she familiarized herself with the French language. She was hired in May and is currently taking French courses. Getting around was difficult for her, if only to get to the convenience store. The bike donated by Cyclo Nord-Sud came just in time! “With the bike, I’ll be able to go out and get what we need from the house. As we had no other means of transport, it was a long way to walk,” she says with relief.
Participants enjoyed a hot dog dinner and the rain didn’t discourage the players, nor the spectators, some of whom took the opportunity to watch the Germany-Denmark match played as part of Euro 2024. This sport will continue to bring people together, all over the world!
The project was funded by the Government of Canada.
