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ShareBy Christine Susan Shine
KUWAIT: The Canadian Embassy in Kuwait commemorated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Kuwait with a spirited ice hockey match on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the two nations. Held in collaboration with the Kuwait Winter Games Club, the friendly game between the Canadian Mooseheads and the Kuwait Stars drew a lively crowd of families, hockey fans, and dignitaries.
Spectators of all ages filled the stands, waving Canadian and Kuwaiti flags and cheering for their teams in a vibrant display of camaraderie. Canadian Ambassador Aliya Mawani, speaking at the event, underscored the cultural significance of the sport. “Ice hockey is a core part of Canadian identity, and it’s inspiring to see how it’s been embraced here in Kuwait, bringing together players from all over the world,” she said in her opening remarks.
The match was part of a broader, year-long celebration of Canada-Kuwait ties, with events throughout 2025 showcasing shared values through art, music, business, and education. Ambassador Mawani highlighted the power of sports in building bridges between cultures, telling Kuwait Times, “It’s really wonderful to see how sports can be a great vehicle for empowerment—for both girls and boys—in terms of building confidence, skill, and teamwork. People-to-people connections are at the heart of strong bilateral ties, and today’s match truly captured that spirit.”
The game itself was a thrilling contest, ending in a tie that led to a dramatic tiebreaker. In the end, the Canadian Mooseheads clinched victory, but the true triumph lay in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect displayed on and off the ice. Long-time Canadian resident in Kuwait, Debra Clark, who has lived in the country for 18 years, reflected on the significance of the moment. “You don’t often get to watch your home team play live when you’re abroad. This event brought the Canadian community together in such a meaningful way,” she said.
Kuwaiti attendee Sabeekah Al-Bahar said she was drawn to the event to celebrate the long-standing friendship between the two countries. “I was amazed by the high level of skill and challenge on the ice. Both teams were incredibly professional—it was such a joy to watch,” she said. The stadium echoed with energy as fans donned team jerseys and celebrated the occasion with cheers and chants. Among them was Walid Elawadly, a Canadian living in Kuwait, who attended with his family. “It brings me so much joy to see Kuwait’s team playing so well. This was a match we were really looking forward to, and it didn’t disappoint,” he said.
Also present was Fehaid Al-Ajmi, Chairman of the Kuwait Winter Games Club, who praised the growing popularity of ice hockey in Kuwait. He noted the club’s ongoing efforts to promote the sport among men, women and youth, providing new avenues for athletic development and empowerment. The evening’s festivities underscored the deep and evolving relationship between Canada and Kuwait, with the ice rink serving as a stage for shared celebration, sporting excellence and lasting friendship.
