Oakville’s own Shooting Stars soccer team has brought home gold from the Pan-Am Masters Games in Cleveland, capping off an impressive run with a 4-0 record and a final match they won't forget.
The Shooting Stars soccer team, which includes several long-time Oakville residents, clinched the gold medal at the Pan-Am Masters Games in Cleveland on July 16, 2024. Competing in the 50+ Women’s soccer category, the team finished the tournament with a perfect 4-0 record.
Among the victorious players is Kerry Colborne, a Conservative Party contestant for the nomination in Oakville West.
The team’s final match saw a hard-fought battle against a team from Vancouver in a 3-1 win, and the award ceremony concluded with an emotional joint rendition of "O Canada."
"I’m proud to represent Canada," said Colborne. "I think all that knocking on doors and canvassing neighbourhoods for the nomination was excellent conditioning for this week’s athletic competition."
The Cleveland Pan-Am Masters Games welcomed approximately 4,000 athletes from 70 countries and 47 states, drawing thousands of spectators.
Despite being founded just six months ago by Colborne, the Shooting Stars team has been very successful under the guidance of coach Wendy Hayes.
"I'm competitive," said Colborne. "I took up playing soccer at the age of 43. I love it! I started a Women's 50+ indoor league in order to get more play time knowing there were other women who felt the same way. Winning this Pan-Am competition is a treat!"