On December 9th we hosted our 1st Annual Heroes Unite Basketball Game. This game was played with players from our Hoop Heroes Basketball Program and local heroes from around the community consisting of members of our local RCMP and Fire Departments.

 

The game was hosted at Keyano College and we were able to use the main gym in a similar set up that they use when they host their own games. The children and their families were very excited to be a part of this as for some it was their first experience playing in a sporting event. The players and local heroes were mixed into two separate teams and lots of smiles could be seen from the court, benches and stands.

 

Before the game began, the national anthem was sung, with the help of the Christina Gordon Public School sign language club. All the players were announced and had the opportunity to run through a tunnel to greet the other players. Excitement was in the air even before the game began! 

 

The game was made possible because of many volunteers, including official Rob O'Brian, as well as asssitant coaches Norm Gallant, Junior Bema and Ryan Power. 

 

The Heroes Unite game also gave us the opportunity to promote the program to the community by giving out swag for people in the crowd, including foam fingers, buttons with our logo, and business cards with our contact information. It was also a great networking opportunity, as we had a chance to meet new people that might want to be involved in the program as a player, volunteer or sponsor in the future.

 

The game itself went great as the kids and local heroes all felt oapart of the game. Everyone had a chance to play and have their moment in the game from scoring a basket, making a pass or giving a high five to a teammate. When the game was over we presented all the players with medals and took a team photo with all the people involved with the game. 

 

We would like to thank Keyano College and all our Volunteers, especially our local heroes for making this game possible and believing in our Hoop Heroes Inclusive Basketball Program.