An event that's quickly becoming a summer staple in Arkona is returning to the town for a third year.
The community is gearing up for the annual Migrant Worker Project (MWP) soccer tournament, taking place Sunday at the Taxandria Soccer Fields.
The popular event is hosted by the North Lambton Community Health Centre’s (NLCHC) TeaMWork Migrant Worker Project.
Health Promotion Team Lead Bel Jamieson estimates there are over 800 migrant workers across Lambton County.
She said more than 400 of them, along with local volunteers, and community members are expected to attend.
Workers from across Lambton county will be split into eight teams.
"We have a large Spanish speaking community," said Jamieson. "They're from South America, Mexico and there's a large population from Jamaica. We also have workers coming from Thailand and from Philippines and Belgium. There's a real variety, it's really the international community coming together."
Aside from non-stop soccer matches, highlights include cultural music, trophies and prizes, community partners sharing information and resources, and free Caribbean corn soup, with fresh corn generously donated by a local farmer.
Jamieson said they aim to make it a warm, inclusive and family-friendly atmosphere.
"We're really excited for this event," she said. "It's a really great opportunity for us to appreciate the workers who are coming. They give so much to our community by coming to work here in Canada. It's just an opportunity to thank them and have this opportunity for them to enjoy."
Organizers are also coordinating transportation for participating teams, with support from farm owners, volunteers, and NLCHC staff—ensuring every player has the chance to take part.
They're thanking the Government of Canada, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) and CMHA Sarnia Lambton for their financial support.
Sunday's event runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
