Photo: John Ugyan

It's not every day you hear about a Canadian team beating a Mexican team in soccer, let alone a team from Kelowna.

A group of 18 soccer players from Kelowna, all in the over-60 category, travelled to Zihuatanejo to play a local team in the same age bracket, in two friendlies last week.

The Canadians won the first game against a similarly aged team in the local oldtimers' league by a score of 2-0, but lost the second game to a team of the best players in the area by a score of 6-3.

The tournament was also a testament to the friendship between both teams. During the opening ceremony both national anthems were played and the mayor of Zihuatanejo, Homero Rodriguez, took part in the ceremonial kickoff.

In typical Canadian style, the Canadian players gave Mexicans the shirts off their backs, then the two sides shared a meal and drinks after both games.

Organizers called the event a huge success. Saying it went a long way towards developing long-term friendships between the two countries, and is a good start for similar events and the local Chamber of Commerce is anxious to discuss a sister city status with Kelowna as well.