A Lil’wat woman is organizing a soccer tournament to raise funds for her 'kind-hearted' brother’s memorial and headstone.
Aiyana Kalani’s brother Dedric Pascal passed last summer after a long battle with mental-health issues and addiction. Extra funds raised during the tournament will be donated to the family’s choice of mental health and addiction organizations.
The co-ed indoor soccer tournament will be held in the Ullus Community Centre on Saturday, July 27. Everyone over the age of 16 can compete. There must be two girls on every team. It costs $150 to enter with 100-per-cent of entry-fees going to prize payouts. First place will get 50 per cent of the money, while second and third place will be awarded 30 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.
People can still donate without competing. The family is also asking for donations to the concession or silent auction. Volunteers will also be needed to help set-up, run the concession, referee, and score keep.
Pascal was a much-loved character in both Lil’wat Nation and Pemberton. He graduated from Pemberton Secondary School with his wide circle of friends. Pascal was a passionate athlete who was the perfect addition to any team. He was just 23 years old when he passed.
Kalani told Pique the tournament will celebrate her brother’s memory. “Dedric has the biggest heart,” she said. "He was so caring and gentle. He spoke in a way that people usually didn’t speak in. He was always there for others in their time of need.”
Pascal inherited his love of sports from his father, Malcom. “He played soccer his whole life and event went to Japan to compete,” said Kalani. “He also played basketball, baseball and hockey. He mostly enjoyed spending time with his friends and family during campouts at tournaments.”
Kalani was driven to organize this month’s tournament to honour her brother. “I knew Dedric from birth right until his last minutes on this Earth,” she said. “We were best friends growing up and we went everywhere together. All of his friends were my friends. His brothers (good friends) became my brothers when I lost him. He took care of me his whole life until his last days. Even when he wasn’t feeling well—he made time to check on me.”
Anyone looking more information about the event can email Kalani at [email protected].
