TORONTO (AP) — Red noisemakers shaped like maple leaves were all the rage in Toronto during the World Cup.
“Canadian Clapper” was given away for free at BMO Field and at fan festivals in the city ahead of Canada’s group stage games. This handheld item measures 4 x 7 inches (10 x 18 centimeters) and is not available in stores and is a must-have for Les Rouge fans.
“This is great. Now let’s go to Canada,” Toronto resident Ryan Fonte said after being handed it by a fan festival volunteer ahead of Wednesday’s game against Switzerland.
Toronto World Cup executive director Sharon Bollenbach said the three-piece fan-like clapboard is made from recycled materials.
FIFA gifted them to fans who participated Canada’s first World Cup matchin Toronto on June 12, and subsequently donated thousands of dollars to the FIFA Fan Festival. Local volunteers distributed the tickets to participants ahead of the watching parties for the second and third group stage games.
Cedric Osagie looked down at his hands after a volunteer placed a red noisemaker there. Ottawa residents didn’t know what to call it.
“I have no idea what it’s called,” Osagie said. “I think it’s called a ‘clapper.'”
But he knew what to do with it.
“When Canada does something great, I’ll do this too,” Osagie said, clapping his hands. “If we score, we’ll shake it up.”
Bollenbach said the small clappers had a “huge impact” and “created a real buzz and interest and a lot of noise throughout the city of Toronto.”
Additionally, she said, they are a symbol of the increased national pride that comes with Canada. Co-moderator role and success on the pitchthe team advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time.
Not to mention, Canada Day, July 1st, is just around the corner.
“I think that’s what the World Cup is all about: being able to celebrate our culture, celebrate our traditions and be truly Canadian and proud to be the host of the world,” Bolenbach said.
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