Montreal Impact

Last night, I took my favourite five year old to a soccer game, my birthday present to him. His first, at the big Olympic Stadium in Montréal, where Impact took on Toronto F.C. We sat near the press and corporate box sections. This is a cute area for kids and families. It has a mini food stall, picnic tables and a little space for them to run around if you are thinking of going to a game. Tameem couldn't wait for his team to start playing—that and all the junk food he requested. During half time, we went on a walkabout and noticed a ton of free seats behind the goals, close to the fan zone. In we went to enjoy the atmosphere and I wanted to give Tameem a closer view of his team. The game ended 0-0 even though Montréal did score; unfortunately the offside flag had gone up. I will be back at the stadium on May 12th to see the Impact play L.A Galaxy and I am hoping to score some shots of David Beckham. I have been a Becks lover since he began playing for Man Utd back in 1993. When I lived in Seoul in 2008, L.A Galaxy came to play Seoul F.C. but I was vacationing in Cambodia at the time. So this will be the first time I ever get to watch him play, which I will admit is pretty darn exciting for me!!!!!

 Self Portrait of Tameem and I at the game.

Impact fan zone.

 Almost a goal by Montréal but saved on the line by great defence.

Ahhhhhhh they missed again.

Our new seats near the fan zone.

 Candy Floss and sticky fingers time.

Getting comfy in his new view.

Allez, Allez, Allez.

 Free kick to Impact.

 Getting the crowd amped up.

 Nothing worse than a dejected fan at a game.

  Goalie goes up!

Goalie comes down!

 Goalie hits the ground!

 Game over!!!

©Alison Slattery. All Rights Reserved.

Student Protest April 30th

Student protests continued last night, April 30th. Students gathered at Place Emilie Gamelin. There seemed to be two very different groups, one urging protestors to wear masks and the other holding a silent candlelight vigil. Thousands walked west on René Lévesque and continued to stop the flow of traffic throughout the city. Police walked alongside the protestors and at times, both parties came head-to-head. A few were pepper-sprayed and at least two fireworks went off in the night sky. Protestors chanted throughout the walk; some popular chants were: "A qui la rue? A nous la rue!" "Chaaaarrrrrreeesssssttttt OOOOOOoooooooooo!" and "You're sexy, you're cute, take off your riot suit!" Chants suddenly went from that to "No justice, no peace, fuck the police!" At this stage I was at the very front of the protest and right after this chant, protestors at the front chanted, "Let's remain peaceful!" I walked for about 2 hours of the protest but left them at St Denis. I am sure there will be a night protest every single day until the government decide to have talks with the student unions. Here are a collection of photos from last night. As an English speaker, I apologise for any incorrect French.

 Students gather at Place Emilie Gamelin at 9.00pm

Police gather on Berri and Ste Catherine.

 The Protest begins on Berri and Ste Catherine.

Students moving at a fast pace down Rene-Levesque.

Police going head-to-head with some protestors.

 Massive crowds walking through the Latin Quarter.

Some words are said between the two groups here on Sherbrooke.

© Alison Slattery. All Rights Reserved.