(LaxMagazine.com) The Iroquois gave the world lacrosse, a fact that was plainly evident in the opening ceremonies of the 2013 FIL Women’s World Cup at the Civic Recreation Complex in Oshawa, Ont.
Six Nations dancers, singers and drummers performed at the event, which drew together lacrosse players, coaches, officials, administrators and fans from around the world for the 19-team tournament. The Haudenosaunee team did a traditional step dance in tune with the drummers, and later all 19 teams gathered together to celebrate the beginning of the world’s premier lacrosse tournament.
2013 Women’s Lacrosse World Cup Opening Night Ceremonies
Image from JVI Video Productions Opening Night Video | View Video
While Six Nations influences dominated, the global nature of the event was apparent in several team’s opening ceremony costumes. Players for Israel, a first-time FIL participant, donned their country’s blue-and-white flag like capes, and the Hong Kong squad had a dragon marionette puppet as a mascot. The Austrian team wore dirndls and leiderhosen, while Team Japan donned short kimonos in bright blue.
FIL president Stan Cockerton, an Oshawa native and current resident, praised the Japanese team’s motto when addressing the crowd, and encouraged all the tournament participants to embrace it.
“I love Japan’s motto. Their motto is lacrosse makes friends,” Cockerton said. “We’re here to crown a champion, but I really encourage you to get to know people.”
Canada, the home team, entered the stadium last, to a loud cheer from the crowd. The Canadians are hosting a senior women’s FIL event for the first time in history, and have high hopes for improving upon their bronze medal finish at the 2009 games in Prague, Czech Republic.
The hosts will face stiff competition perennial powerhouses, though, like Australia and defending FIL champs, the U.S. Team USA will begin its title defense tomorrow at 8 p.m. local time in a game against England.
“It’s awesome. It’s really exciting. Tonight’s a culmination of four years of hard work. We’re really excited to open up play tomorrow,” said U.S. attacker Linsdey Munday, a veteran of the 2009 team and the 2013 team captain. “We’re playing the best lacrosse we can play.”
Original article: FIL Opening Night Has Distinctly Native Flair
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