COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – While the on-field rivalry still remains strong, soccer players from Coldwater and Sturgis High Schools will be taking time after Saturday’s games to celebrate their diversity and cultural understanding between the communities.
The annual Cultural Understanding Tailgate began last year based on an idea from students at Sturgis High School. A large food tent featured Hispanic food from Sturgis parents and Middle Eastern food from Coldwater parents, for both the teams and community members. Players ate together and exchanged specially made jerseys.
Coldwater High School will host the event this Saturday at the conclusion of the varsity soccer game between the Cardinals and Sturgis, around 1:15 p.m. The junior varsity game will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the varsity game at around 11:30 a.m.
The Branch County Community Foundation is assisting with the purchase of commemorative Cultural Understanding Game t-shirts for varsity players. The International Relations Committee of Altrusa International of Branch County is also providing funding, in addition to parents and other volunteers.
