By: Jeff Evans, Director of Athletic Communications
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Western Washington University Department of Athletics and the WWU Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee will host a celebration for Latine Heritage Month (pronounced la·ˈ ti· ne) at the soccer doubleheader on October 5 at Harrington Field.
The WWU women's soccer team will host in-state rival Central Washington beginning at 4 pm and the men's team will take on rival Seattle Pacific at 7 pm at the on-campus facility in Bellingham.
Latine Heritage Month (also known as Hispanic Heritage Month) is celebrated from September 15-October 15. This special day of events is planned to honor Latine cultures and communities and to celebrate the past, present, and future accomplishments and contributions of those who are part of the Latine community.
WWU students, staff and faculty are all invited to the event to celebrate Latine Heritage Month with a limited number of free tickets available at the WWU Multicultural Center Front Desk. The Burrito King Food Truck will also be on site at the event for great dining options.
The theme for WWU's Latine Heritage Month this year is "La Comunidad – Avanzando Juntos". This year's theme highlights the importance of Latine community unity. Our practice of moving forward together is supporting one another in navigating systems of oppression. Avanzando Juntos is a metaphorical reminder of the importance of not forgetting where one comes from, as well as reflecting on the positive impact that intergenerational mentorship has for students, staff and faculty. The idea of looking back and extending one's hand to upcoming generations is a practice of community, love, and recognition of family's teachings.
"It is with great enthusiasm that the Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee presents the community with events that are celebratory, educational and uplifting," said
Amy Salinas Westmoreland, Director of the
Office of Multicultural Student Services. "As we celebrate Latine Heritage Month, it is also important that we recognize that the contributions and accomplishments of the Latine community is not just contained to a month, but that we continuously honor, celebrate, and support our Latine community throughout the year."
Free parking for both soccer games will be available in the C Lots near Harrington Field.
All current WWU students receive free admission by showing their W card at the entrance. A Latine Heritage Month table will near the entrance to Harrington Field where community members can learn more about the celebration and redeem their free ticket. The Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee will also be tabling to raise awareness for clubs on campus and ways to get involved.
"What an exciting start to the fall quarter with so many events and activities on campus, and what better way to celebrate Latine Heritage Month than a soccer doubleheader at Harrington Field," said WWU Director of Athletics
Jim Sterk. "We are thankful to partner with the Latine Heritage Month planning committee to celebrate with our campus community. We hope to see everyone out at Harrington Field bringing our community together to learn and celebrate together."
Interested community members that wish to join in this celebration can contact
Brandon Joseph, Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee and WWU Director in the Office of Student Resilience, via email at
Brandon.Joseph@wwu.edu.
More information on events for Latine Heritage Month at WWU is available online at
wwu.edu/latine-heritage-month.
