My name is Chad Yassin, I'm graduating from the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Engineering this June, and like many of my fellow graduates, I've had to balance intense coursework, personal challenges, and crucial life decisions to get to this milestone. Graduation is a day I've looked forward to, but it coincides with another significant event: Canada's World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12th. As a passionate football fan, missing this match, which happens only once every four years, is truly disheartening.

The graduation ceremony is scheduled from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, while the match kicks off at 3:00 PM. I'm not alone in my wishes, many of my peers also feel torn between celebrating a major academic achievement and cheering for our national team. For some of us, the temptation to skip this long-anticipated ceremony to catch the match is real, but it shouldn't have to be this way.

We propose a simple solution to this dilemma: Provide a screen within the graduation hall displaying the World Cup match live. This way, graduates and their families won't be forced to miss history in the making, nor will they be distracted by their phones as they try to catch bits of the action. It will ensure the ceremony remains dignified, while also celebrating a shared love of sports and national pride.

As proud Canadians and proud graduates, let's make this a memorable event that embraces all aspects of our identity. We urge the University of Ottawa's administration to reconsider and allow sports and academics to coexist without conflict for this special occasion. Please sign this petition to support a more inclusive graduation experience that caters to our academic achievement and our love for soccer. Together, we can make this a day truly to remember for everyone involved.