FRASER VALLEY BANDITS TO HONOUR CONTRIBUTIONS OF BLACK BRITISH COLUMBIANS AND COACHES THROUGHOUT BHM
Bandits Staff • February 2, 2021
ABBOTSFORD, BC, February 1, 2021
– The Fraser Valley Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday that the club will be honouring the contributions of Black British Columbians and coaches throughout the month of February through a series of interviews and commemorative posts that will be made across the Bandits’ social media channels.
The editorial series will live on the Bandits’ website and will highlight coaching leaders in British Columbia and Canada’s Black communities that are making an impact on and off the basketball court.
In celebration of Black History Month and as a precedent for the editorial series, the Bandits shared a tribute graphic that honoured the below British Columbians, who made historic contributions in their respective fields and disciplines (listed in alphabetical order according to last name):
- Emery Barnes
- A force in the world of sport and politics, Barnes emigrated to Canada in 1957 where he studied at the University of British Columbia. Prior to moving to Canada, Barnes studied at the University of Oregon and excelled as a multi-sport athlete – serving as an alternate high jump member for the U.S. Olympic track team in 1952 and was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers before joining the BC Lions in 1957. Following sport, Barnes entered the world of politics and social justice. Barnes became the first Black speaker of any Canadian legislature when he was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in B.C. in 1994 and in 1995 was appointed a member of the Order of B.C.
- Rosemary Brown
- Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Brown became the first Black woman elected to provincial legislature in 1972 as the New Democratic Party candidate for Vancouver-Burrard. She was re-elected three times. Brown became the first woman to run for leadership of a federal political party in 1975. Brown advocated for minority groups and helped break barriers faced by women and people of colour. In 1956 she helped establish the British Columbia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People and throughout her career as an MLA helped reduce barriers faced by women and minority groups.
- Seraphim Joseph ‘Joe’ Fortes
- Born in the British West Indies, Fortes arrived in Vancouver in 1885 and worked as a bartender at a variety of institutions but exhibited a passion for helping others, particularly when it came to swimming and teaching. He became a lifeguard in the early 20th century and in 1910 the City of Vancouver recognized him as the first English Bay lifeguard. Fortes taught several Vancouverites to swim and is credited with saving various individuals from drowning, becoming a local celebrity for his valour. For his efforts and dedication, the Vancouver Historical Society recognized Fortes as “Citizen of the Century” in 1986.
- Doug Hudlin
- A native of Victoria, B.C., Hudlin was nicknamed the “Gentleman Umpire” and was inducted into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in 1998, the Umpires Association Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Canadian Baseball Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Hudlin was a founding member of the B.C. Black History Awareness Society and was the first non-American to be invited to umpire the 1967 and 1974 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
- Harry Jerome
- Jerome represented Canada at the Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964) and Mexico City (1968) Olympic Games. Jerome captured a bronze medal in Rome and is remembered for many achievements beyond his Olympic medal and the seven world records that he set during his career. Jerome worked in the federal ministry of sport and worked to open doors for young Canadians. Today, a statue of Jerome can be found in Stanley Park, B.C.
- Ruby Sneed
- Sneed was an esteemed classical pianist and music educator. Sneed completed her Associate Diploma (ARCT) at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and broke colour barriers throughout her career by performing at public concerts, in addition to recording, performing and writing musical arrangements for CBC. Sneed later dedicated herself as an educator by teaching young musicians at her private studio in Vancouver for nearly three decades.
- Emma Stark
- Stark lived in Nanaimo, B.C. and became the first Black teacher on Vancouver Island in 1874 when at the age of 18 she was appointed the first teacher at the new North Cedar School.
The Fraser Valley Bandits obtain no rights to the intellectual property of BCBHAS other than the right to display the content as noted. Historical and textual records and accounts have kindly been provided by the © BC Black History Awareness Society (all rights reserved).
Photos kindly provided courtesy of:
- Emery Barnes
- Photo provided by the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame
- Rosemary Brown
- Photo provided by The Province (Postmedia)
- Seraphim Joseph ‘Joe’ Fortes
- Photo provided by Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
- Doug Hudlin
- Photo provided by Barbara Hudlin
- Harry Jerome
- Photo provided by University of Oregon Athletics
- Ruby Sneed
- Photo provided by Theresa (née Sneed) Lewis
- Emma Stark
- Photo provided by Barbara Hudlin
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andrew Savory, Director of Operations, (604) 217-6213, asavory@thebandits.ca
About the Fraser Valley Bandits:
The Fraser Valley Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the club is proud to call Abbotsford Centre home. The Bandits offer a riveting entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue. PerfectLens, a Vancouver-based contact lens supplier, is the official presenting partner of the Bandits’ 2021 season. Head to thebandits.ca for more information.
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The Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation are proud to partner with the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) to support local Indigenous youth participating at the upcoming 2026 Junior All Native Tournament (JANT). Hosted jointly by the Vancouver Bandits, Bandits Community Foundation, Vancity Nation Basketball and Kwantlen First Nation, JANT is the largest Indigenous youth sports gathering in British Columbia and one of the largest basketball tournaments in Canada. As a co-presenting sponsor, UFV will support the tournament’s on-site athletic therapy services. Students and faculty from UFV’s School of Kinesiology will assist in providing athletic therapy coverage throughout the tournament under the supervision of UFV Head Athletic Therapist Grant Ammann, who help ensure high-quality care for participating athletes. “Supporting Indigenous youth through sport reflects UFV’s commitment to community engagement, experiential learning, and is consistent with Reconciliation” said Michael Gaetz, Director of the School of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley. “Our students gain valuable hands-on experience while contributing to the health and well-being of young athletes and communities from all over the Province of BC.” “The Junior All Native Tournament represents the power of sport to bring communities together and inspire the next generation,” said James Mandigo, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Fraser Valley. “UFV is proud to support this important event and to contribute the expertise of our School of Kinesiology in helping create a safe, supportive environment for Indigenous youth athletes.” “We’re incredibly excited to partner with UFV to support the young athletes participating in the Junior All Native Tournament. This collaboration is a great example of what can happen when different parts of a community come together with a shared purpose,” said Vancouver Bandits team president & JANT co-chair Dylan Kular. “Seeing UFV’s School of Kinesiology & UFV Cascades’ students and faculty step in to support these athletes demonstrates the university’s commitment to youth across British Columbia and shows the real power of cross-department collaboration in creating meaningful experiences for the next generation. The Bandits Community Foundation and its partners have supported basketball development initiatives for Indigenous youth across British Columbia, including camps for athletes, officials and coaches, and community court revitalization projects. JANT has been a cornerstone event for nearly 50 years, uniting young athletes and their families from Indigenous communities across British Columbia. The tournament aims to inspire Indigenous youth to pursue their goals and make the most of their potential, while improving their fitness and skill levels. The 50th edition of JANT will take place in Langley from March 15-20, 2026 and is expected to bring more than 1,200 youth athletes, over 10,000 travellers and over 100 teams from across the province, representing over 100 Indigenous communities. Learn more about JANT and purchase event tickets at www.JANT.ca.
The Vancouver Bandits are proud to announce the renewal of their collaboration with FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) for the 2026 season, continuing a shared commitment to empowering youth through basketball development. This marks the fifth consecutive year of collaboration between the Bandits and FortisBC, reinforcing a strong community-driven initiative that provides coaching and mentorship opportunities for aspiring young athletes and coaches across British Columbia. As part of this renewed sponsorship, FortisBC will once again be the official co-presenter of the coaching and youth clinics hosted by the Bandits Community Foundation’s Indigenous Basketball Collective (IBC) . These clinics, designed to foster skill development and leadership among Indigenous youth, will continue to offer a structured environment where young players can learn from experienced coaches while also building confidence and teamwork skills through the game of basketball across British Columbia. Basketball is one of the most participated sports amongst Indigenous youth in British Columbia, which is displayed at the annual Junior All-Native Tournament (JANT). In addition to the Indigenous Basketball Collective, FortisBC is supporting the 50th anniversary of JANT. This tournament is welcoming 130 teams from across British Columbia to Langley March 15th to 20th, 2026. The 50th anniversary JANT is slated to be the largest in the history of the tournament welcoming nearly 1,800 players and coaches from over 75 First Nations communities across British Columbia. With the support of all JANT sponsors, including FortisBC, the tournament is not charging spectators to watch games from March 16th to 19th. “FortisBC is committed to supporting Indigenous youth and community-led initiatives that strengthen connection and belonging,” said Vanessa Connolly, director, community and Indigenous relations FortisBC. “By investing in youth basketball programs and community tournaments, we’re helping create inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, skills and lasting relationships.” FortisBC returns as a co-presenter of the BC Basketball Festival, one of the province’s premier youth basketball tournaments and one of the only youth basketball tournaments in British Columbia that does not charge spectators to watch games. The extension of this partnership aligns with both organizations’ ongoing efforts to foster community engagement, youth development, and the overall growth of basketball in British Columbia.
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and CBC Sports today announced a landmark five-year broadcast partnership that will see marquee games air on CBC TV, including the first best-of-three CEBL Finals in league history, and all games live streamed on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube . “As Canada’s professional basketball league, with 10 teams across the country, our focus is simple, to meet fans where they are,” said CEBL President and CEO Ty Mazereeuw. “Partnering with CBC Sports brings the CEBL to more Canadians on a trusted national stage, and expands access across digital platforms including CBC Gem and YouTube, giving basketball fans of all ages more choice in how they follow our biggest moments.” “Canadian basketball is having a moment right now on the world stage, and through our partnership with the CEBL, we can bring the energy and momentum of Canada’s top young players to fans across the country,” said Chris Wilson, Executive Director, Sports and Olympics, CBC. “We are excited to share the excitement from the court with wider audiences on CBC’s platforms, and to interact with and serve local fans in CEBL locations across Canada.” CBC Sports was the league’s broadcast partner for its inaugural seasons from 2019 through 2022, and with the new partnership, for the next five years CBC Sports will offer select regular-season games on CBC TV and all regular-season and playoff games on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube. Available platforms will also include CEBL+. The CEBL’s full 2026 broadcast schedule and more broadcast-related announcements are coming soon. For the full 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League game schedule, visit cebl.ca/schedule . Details on the League’s new playoff format are available at cebl.ca/playoffs , and ticket information for all CEBL games can be found at cebl.ca/tickets .
The Vancouver Bandits announced Wednesday that single game tickets for all home games for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League ( CEBL ) season are available for purchase to the public. The Bandits sold-out 75 per cent of regular season home games during the 2025 CEBL season so fans are encouraged to secure their tickets as soon as they can. The Bandits will tip off the home portion of their schedule with a pair of games as part of Home Opener Weekend at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC). The home opener will be played on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT against the Edmonton Stingers, while the second game will take place on Sunday, May 24 at 5:00 p.m. when the Bandits host the Calgary Surge in a highly-anticipated rematch of the 2025 CEBL Western Conference Quarterfinal. “There is nothing like a Bandits Basketball game. It is high-energy, engaging and, most importantly, it’s for everyone. Whether you are a lifelong basketball fan, a family looking for a fun night out, or someone experiencing a game for the first time, you belong here,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “We have worked hard to create one of the best live event experiences in British Columbia, a place where the community comes together, cultures are celebrated, and unforgettable moments are made. We cannot wait to welcome all of BC to Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre this summer.” In celebration of the BC School Sports Basketball Provincial Championships, taking place at LEC, fans use the promotional code PROVINCIALS15 upon check out to save 15% off single game tickets played at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre until Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Single game tickets for all Bandits home games can be purchased here . The Vancouver Bandits’ complete home game schedule is as follows (all times Pacific): Home games played at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre, unless denoted. Friday, May 22, 2026 vs. Edmonton | 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 2026 vs. Calgary | 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026 vs. Saskatchewan | 6:00 p.m. *Game played in Kelowna Saturday, June 13, 2026 vs. Ottawa | 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2026 vs. Scarborough | 7:00 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026 vs. Brampton | 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026 vs. Winnipeg | 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2026 vs. Edmonton | 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026 vs. Calgary | 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026 vs. Montreal | 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026 vs. Saskatchewan | 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2026 vs. Winnipeg | 12:30 p.m. Featuring the club’s most fan-friendly schedule to date, Bandits home games will feature start times on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. (3), Saturday nights at 6:00 p.m. (5), and Sunday afternoons at 5:00 p.m. (2). Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre will be the place to be for professional basketball in British Columbia this summer, further solidifying the Bandits’ fast-growing reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic live event offerings in British Columbia. Fans can also look forward to the return of Bandits Theme Nights this summer. Dates and details of popular games, such as Filipino Heritage, South Asian Heritage and Country Night, along with new themes will be announced next month. Single game tickets for the eighth season of Bandits Basketball are available for purchase and can be accessed by clicking here . In addition to single game tickets, Season Tickets , Group Experiences and Jam Packs are also available for purchase.
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