Durham College welcomes international athletes

The City of Oshawa recently hosted the 2013 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) Women’s World Cup and Durham College played a key role in the festivities, housing athletes through its Campus Residence and Conference Centre facilities, which include the Simcoe and South Village residences.

The cup, which took place from July 10 to 20, marked the 100^th anniversary of women’s international lacrosse with the tournament welcoming teams from 19 different countries including Europe, Asia and Australia.

Kristen Carr, a defender for the U.S. national women’s team, stayed in the South Village Residence and spoke of the eclectic nature of the athlete’s residence during the tournament.

“A lot of the countries were staying in the same place. Finland was in the same hallway as us and I know Canada is on the third floor,” said Carr. “We didn’t interact a lot but it was cool seeing the different countries and seeing what they like to do.”

Australia midfielder Bella Pickett also spoke of the diverse housing during her stay in the Simcoe Village Residence.

“You get to kind of mingle with other teams. Everyone has their own space but it’s nice to see everyone and the atmosphere is really cool,” said Pickett.

2013 marked the first time the event was held in Canada with the recently renovated Oshawa Civic Recreation Complex serving as the main facility for the tournament. Renovations were completed on the facility in 2011 including the refurbishment of two outdoor fields and the addition of an indoor field house, all of which feature artificial turf fields.

The tournament ended with the U.S. capturing the gold medal, defeating Canada 19 to 5 in the championship game. The top four was rounded out by Australia defeating England 11 to 6 in the bronze medal game. The FIL Women’s World Cup will next be held in Surrey, England in 2017.

Oshawa welcomed approximately 25,000 spectators alongside the nearly 500 athletes who competed in the tournament.