B.C. declares Dec. 12 Christine Sinclair Day in honour of Canada’s greatest-ever soccer player

Canada’s most successful soccer player of all time wears number 12 on her jersey, her birthday is June 12, and as of Friday, the B.C. government says Dec. 12 will be her very own day.

The B.C. government has proclaimed Dec. 12 as Christine Sinclair Day in honour of the extraordinary career of the Burnaby-born and -raised soccer star.

In a statement Friday, sports minister Lana Popham says the proclamation is also a chance to celebrate her “unparalleled contributions to soccer, both on and off the field.”

“Christine’s talent and character have brought the world’s attention to our province and country and remind us that big goals are attainable with passion, discipline, and sportsmanship. We are honoured to recognize Christine as a Canadian soccer icon and know her legacy will inspire young athletes, especially young girls and women, for decades to come,” Popham said.

Sinclair lines up with her teammates against Australia in a friendly match on Vancouver Island Friday night, where MLA Ravi Parmar will present her with the proclamation.

“Hosting the penultimate game of Christine’s international soccer career at the Starlight Stadium is a moment of immense joy for our community,” Parmar said. “This game is not just a soccer match, it’s a celebration of a legendary career that has inspired countless people and athletes. We are proud to be a part of her incredible story.”

Sinclair first donned the national jersey when she was just 16. Her soccer career spanned across two decades, and includes multiple FIFA Women’s Work Cup tournaments, along with three Olympic medals. She holds the record for the most international goals scored by any player in women’s soccer history.

“Starting to play football as a four-year-old on the same fields that are now part of the Christine Sinclair Community Centre, I can only say that it has and will always be an incredible honour to be recognized by my hometown and province,” said Sinclair. “The naming of 12/12 (Dec. 12) as Christine Sinclair Day is no different and I hope it serves as a day for people to be inspired to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.”

Sinclair will call time on her career Tuesday night in Vancouver, as the national team plays the second of two friendlies against Australia.