Festival of Football will try to bring Toronto together for soccer and a good cause

Sports have tremendous power to rally people together for a cause, and the upcoming Festival Of Football may be an example of that. The event, to be held August 18 at Toronto's Eglinton Flats, is a planned all-day celebration of soccer that's expected to raise over half a million dollars for West Park Healthcare Centre. That centre, a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto, supplies specialized rehabilitation, complex continuing care and long-term care, and it's made a huge difference in the lives of many. One of those is Cyndi Desjardins, a mother of two who had her hands and feet amputated thanks to flesh-eating disease; the centre played a crucial role in her rehabilitation and recovery, so she's serving as an ambassador for this event to help raise funds for it. Here's a video of her remarkable story, which includes her playing soccer with her kids:

Soccer's becoming a massive deal in Canada, as evidenced by the enormous recent ratings for Euro 2012, so this seems like a natural way to channel some of that interest towards a terrific cause. The centre deals with tuberculosis patients, amputees, diabetes patients and many others, and it focuses on improving patients' mobility, community re-integration, and quality of life, and it's a crucial resource for many like Desjardins. However, it's facing tough challenges, with an expected 50 per cent increase in patients over the next 20 years.

That increases the importance of fundraising ventures like this festival, which will give people a chance to form teams for some fun six-on-six soccer and raise money for the centre along the way. Registration fees are just $45 per player, and teams will get to play five 30-minute games. Participants can register here, and those who aren't able to come out and play can donate to friends' teams. One team will win a trip to see a Champions League game in Europe courtesy of sponsor Heineken, too. The tournament's also receiving solid support from City Hall, and that's nice to see; this could be something that makes a huge difference in the lives of many. It looks like a tremendous way to use the beautiful game for good.