High Desert Latinx culture celebrated at COCC’s inaugural soccer event
Campbell Porter
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Central Oregon Community College and Oregon State University-Cascades will host the inaugural “La Copa del High Desert” soccer match and Latinx cultural celebration on Sunday, April 12. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the COCC Bend campus.
Organized by the COCC Latinx program, the event is designed to celebrate High Desert Latinx culture through sports, food and traditional activities. The celebration is sponsored by the High Desert Museum and St. Charles Health System. Approximately 15% of the student population at COCC is Latinx and a suggested $10 donation from attendees will benefit a Latinx student scholarship fund at the college.
The competitive soccer match begins at 10:30 a.m. at Mazama Field. Both institutions are recruiting players for the match from their respective student bodies and staff members. Claudia Bisso-Fetzer, the Latinx student program coordinator at COCC, said the event’s purpose extends beyond the athletic competition.
“While the teams are competing on the soccer field, the goal is to celebrate and foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect,” Bisso-Fetzer said. “Come to play or cheer your team and enjoy Latin American cuisine — the event extends far beyond the final score.”
Following the match, the celebration moves to the Coats Campus Center. From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can participate in cultural activities including the Mexican board game loteria and ceramic drink coaster painting. Lunch featuring authentic cuisine from various Latin American countries will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
College officials have established points of contact for individuals requiring accessibility assistance. Those needing accommodation or transportation due to physical or mobility disabilities should contact campus services at 541-383-7775. For other accommodations, such as those related to hearing impairments, student accessibility services is available at sas@cocc.edu or 541-383-7583.
COCC students and staff interested in playing must contact latinx@cocc.edu to receive a sign-up link. The deadline to register for the soccer match is April 3.