Four B.C. First Nations communities have new outdoor basketball courts, courtesy of the Langley-based Vancouver Bandits pro team, FortisBC Energy Inc., and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I∙SPARC).
On Friday, Oct. 27, the partners announced the full and half courts will serve as new recreational hubs for local youth in Shxwhá:y Village and Soowahlie First Nation near Chilliwack, as well as Snuneymuxw First Nation near Nanaimo and Sumas First Nation near Abbotsford.
Three have been completed, while work on a fourth is underway.
Called ‘Court Projects’ the program is also supported by the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, as well as various local partners.
Bandits, FortisBC, and I∙SPARC have hosted the annual Indigenous Basketball Collective Camp during the B.C. Basketball Festival at Langley Events Centre (LEC) each summer since 2022.
Bandits have collaborated with schools, recreation centres and local partners to donate new metal rims and fresh net mesh.
Bandits team president Dylan Kular said it was an “honour” to work with FortisBC in partnership with Indigenous communities across B.C. to build basketball courts for public use by individuals of all ages.
“Basketball is one of Canada’s most “inclusive sports and we hope these new courts can serve as an added resource to help encourage recreation, as well as active and healthy lifestyles,” said Kular.
It is the latest initiative of the Indigenous Basketball Collective, which aims to create increased opportunities for Indigenous players, coaches and others involved in basketball.
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