A program that partners Vancouver Bandits with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) to encourage Indigenous participation in basketball has been extended, with a renewed emphasis on coaching and officiating clinics as well as youth camps that will be hosted throughout 2024 as part of the Indigenous Basketball Collective.
A collaborative effort between the Bandits and I·SPARC, the goal of the collective since its inception in 2022 has been to create increased opportunities for Indigenous players, coaches and others involved in the sport.
The partnership also includes the development of outdoor basketball courts through the Court Projects initiative.
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The schedule for future coaching, officiating and player development camps will be announced at a later date.
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is a provincial organization established with the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families and communities.
The programs and services delivered by I·SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation and physical activity in First Nations communities, Métis Chartered Communities, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, schools and other delivery agencies throughout BC.
I·SPARC’s CEO Rick Brant noted basketball is one of the most popular sports among Indigenous youth in BC.
“We greatly value our partnership with the Vancouver Bandits as it reflects our shared commitment to Indigenous basketball development,” Brant said.
Bandits team president Dylan Kular said “there is a thriving Indigenous basketball ecosystem in British Columbia and we are grateful for our partnership with I·SPARC to connect with both current and aspiring basketball players, coaches and officials by creating more opportunities for them to play and learn.”
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Earlier this fall the Bandits and I·SPARC hosted a free basketball camp in North Vancouver for youth from across the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley regions.
