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Whitecaps FC Honoured to Participate in Celebration of Vancouver-Guangzhou Sister City Relationship at Upcoming Match with Crystal Palace FC

July 15th, 2016

Vancouver Chinese Soccer Association Select XI to play against Guangzhou Super Football Club after completion of Whitecaps FC match

In conjunction with the Vancouver-Guangzhou Friendship Society and Vancouver Chinese Soccer Association, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC has been invited to play against English Premier League side and FA Cup Finalists Crystal Palace FC in the Vancouver International Soccer Challenge. The match will take place at BC Place on Tuesday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. PT.

The evening celebrates the 31st anniversary of the sister cities relationship and will include special pre-game lion and dragon dance performances organized by the Vancouver Chinese Soccer Association, half-time mini matches and features the celebration of 6th annual Vancouver-Guangzhou Friendship Cities Cup, a friendly match between a Select XI from the Vancouver Chinese Soccer Association and the Guangzhou Super Football Club, upon completion of the Whitecaps match.

“We were honoured to be invited to take part in the Vancouver International Soccer Challenge and to have an opportunity to pay tribute and be involved in the important relationship between Vancouver and Guangzhou,” said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. “Anytime you can bring cultures together around sport, you have an opportunity to speak a common language and promote the unique diversity of our communities. In addition to the Friendship Cities Cup, facing an English Premier League side will provide a great test for our club, and great entertainment for local soccer fans.”

Lenarduzzi is encouraging all fans to attend ceremonies before and during the match, but to also stay and watch the Friendship Cities Cup following the Whitecaps FC match: "The Friendship Cities Cup is a tremendous opportunity to continue to build strong cultural relationships and I very much look forward watching the match between the Select XI from the Vancouver Chinese Soccer Association and the Guangzhou Super Football Club, and I hope fans do as well."

The Vancouver International Soccer Challenge program includes:

• 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. - Live lion and dragon dance performances at Terry Fox Plaza
• 7:00 p.m. Whitecaps FC match vs. Crystal Palace FC
• 7:45 p.m. (halftime) - Mini matches
• 9:00 p.m. Vancouver Chinese Soccer Association Select XI match vs. Guangzhou Super Football Club

For more information about the Whitecaps FC, follow on Twitter @WhitecapsFC and visit the website at www.whitecapsfc.com.

For more information about BC Place, follow on Twitter @BCPlace and visit the website at www.bcplace.com.

About Whitecaps FC:
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

About BC Place:
BC Place Stadium is the largest multipurpose venue of its kind in the province of British Columbia. An architectural signature for the province, BC Place hosts sports, exhibition and entertainment on a year-round calendar of live events. BC Place is proud to be home to the BC Lions Football Club, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the Canada Sevens and the BC Sports Hall of Fame.

Media Enquiries:
BC Place
Eddie Tabakman
604.306.0875
etabakman@lbmg.ca