Vancouver Bandits, FortisBC, I∙SPARC and the Province of British Columbia Partner on ‘Court Projects’ to Build Four Outdoor Basketball Courts in Indigenous Communities

Bandits Staff • October 27, 2023

LANGLEY, B.C., Oct. 27, 2023 – FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) is joining forces with British Columbia’s professional basketball team, the Vancouver Bandits, and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I∙SPARC) to build outdoor basketball courts that will serve as new recreational hubs for local youth in four Indigenous communities across the province.


The four communities where courts equipped with backboards and hoops are already completed or are in the process of anticipated construction are as follows:


The initiative as a whole is called ‘Court Projects’ and is supported by the Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, as well as various local partners to bolster the existing collaboration between FortisBC, I∙SPARC and the Bandits, who have worked in partnership to host the annual Indigenous Basketball Collective Camp during the BC Basketball Festival at Langley Events Centre (LEC) each summer since 2022. 


“We applaud the work the Bandits and these communities are doing to invest in basketball courts which will support fun, meaningful activities for youth,” said Doug Slater, vice-president, Indigenous relations and regulatory affairs at FortisBC. “We are committed to making a positive difference in the communities we serve and we’re pleased to be a part of this project.”


Inspired by the rapid rise in popularity of one of Canada’s most accessible sports, Court Projects is a legacy component inspired by the unifying spirit of the BC Basketball Festival and is the latest touchpoint of the Indigenous Basketball Collective. The goal of the Collective is to create increased opportunities for Indigenous players, coaches and others involved in basketball to participate in training camps, competitions, workshops and more.


The Court Projects initiative is a contributing facet of the Indigenous Basketball Collective.


“The Indigenous Basketball Collective was created to provide opportunities for Indigenous involvement and growth in the sport of basketball. Training camps, competitions and player development can only be made possible through access to facilities,” said Rick Brant, chief executive officer of I∙SPARC.


“Facilities close to home that are safe and also help remove economic barriers for participation in the sport, encourage active lifestyles and help create a new gathering place for community members of all ages. We are grateful to these four Nations for their efforts and investment to bring their communities together through the sport of basketball.”


Adding to Court Projects’ mandate is a focus on revitalizing courts and hoops in need. To do so, the Vancouver Bandits have collaborated with schools, recreation centres and local partners to donate new metal rims and fresh net mesh for outdoor courts in regions across British Columbia. These upgrades have been supported by partners of the Court Projects program.


“It is 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 Bandits team president Dylan Kular.


Head to thebandits.ca, fortisbc.com or isparc.ca for more information.


Quotes:

“This partnership symbolizes coming together to show support and recognition of each other's cultures. Showing this to children and instilling it in them – it gives them strength going forward. It is much more than the game of basketball. It is the evolution of growth and working with cultures and people in other areas. It is a beautiful thing to be part of.”

  • Chief Robert Gladstone, Shxwhá:y Village


“Basketball, hockey, soccer and baseball are the main sports within Soowahlie. Basketball has been on the back burner because of not having a court, but now having the court is going to bring it to our community in a greater way. For youth, it is an easy sport to play because you can play it one-on-one or you can play it with a team or individually.”

  • Chief Brenda Wallace, Soowahlie First Nation


“I can’t say enough about the Vancouver Bandits. The partnership between Snuneymuxw and the Bandits has brought nothing but positivity to our community as children and youth get to play on the hoops that the club provided. When I see and hear the kids playing on the new outdoor court it is a positive reminder of the partnership and our great work together.”

  • Sqwulutsultun William Yoachim, Snuneymuxw First Nation Councillor


“A big thank you to the Bandits for the recognition and respect they have shown towards Semá:th. The donation of a basketball half-court is a great example of that respect and will provide an opportunity for our youth to enjoy the game at home in our community. Thank you to FortisBC for their partnership in this initiative as well. We wish the Bandits great success in their efforts to bring a championship to our province!” 

  • Chief Dalton Silver, Sumas First Nation


“I’m delighted these new courts will give Indigenous youth more opportunities to play basketball and participate in their communities. Supporting the development of Indigenous athletes is one way our government is working to advance true and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.”

  • Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport


"Inspired by the incredible power of sports to unite communities, basketball's accessibility has become a driving force behind its surging popularity. When the Bandits introduced 'Court Projects' our commitment was unwavering. As an organization deeply rooted in the community, this initiative has provided the BM Group with yet another chance to strengthen our bonds with Indigenous peoples. On behalf of the entire BM Group of Companies, we are immensely proud of our involvement in 'Court Projects' and eagerly anticipate future collaborations."

  • Milan Mann, President, Vancouver Ready Mix & BM Group


Supporting Partners of Court Projects:

  • The Province of British Columbia and its Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
  • Headlands Environmental
  • BM Group 
  • Essence Properties
  • SluzCap
  • Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I∙SPARC)
  • Capital Steel
  • Fraser Valley Building Supplies (RONA)
  • Vancouver Ready Mix
  • NOVO Dental Centre
  • Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge
  • University Canada West


###


About the Vancouver Bandits:

The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an 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 at Langley Events Centre (LEC).


About FortisBC Energy Inc.: 

FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, Renewable Natural Gas and propane. FortisBC Energy Inc. employs around 2,096 British Columbians and serves approximately 1,075,595 customers across British Columbia. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates approximately 51,174 kilometres of gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. FortisBC Energy Inc. uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. For further information on FortisBC, visit www.fortisbc.com. For further information on Fortis Inc., visit www.fortisinc.com.


About I∙SPARC:

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 the province. As an organization, I·SPARC coordinates Team BC selection and events, supporting high performance sport right through to the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). The I·SPARC team is always looking for new ways to bring sport and healthy living to youth and communities across the Province of BC, including through partnerships with communities, sport organizations and coaches. If you are interested in learning more, please check out https://www.isparc.ca.

LATEST NEWS

Vancouver Bandits, FortisBC, I SPARC Host Youth Basketball Camp in Williams Lake

By Bandits Staff • September 10, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits, BC’s professional basketball team, hosted a youth basketball camp on Wednesday, September 9 in Williams Lake, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I∙SPARC) and FortisBC. The Bandits welcomed over 40 local athletes and their families to the camp, with the main goal of building confidence, inspiring young athletes, and bringing youth sports development and mentorship to athletes across the province. Held at Lake City Secondary, the camp marked the first community visit by BC’s professional basketball team to the Cariboo region, bringing more basketball to more people across our province. “Community is a core pillar of the Bandits organization, and we are proud to host camps and opportunities that help shape and inspire the next generation of players and leaders,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “Thank you to our partners at I∙SPARC and FortisBC for their support in bringing this camp to fruition, and to the Williams Lake basketball community for welcoming our team this week.” "We're proud to support opportunities that help young people build confidence, strengthen their skills and create lasting connections," said Janet Devaney, senior manager, community & Indigenous initiatives at FortisBC. "Through initiatives like this basketball camp, Indigenous youth can connect with peers and mentors, develop new skills and experience the positive impact that sport can have on confidence, leadership and a sense of belonging.” The free-of-charge camp was part of the Indigenous Basketball Collective, representing the ongoing collaboration between I∙SPARC and the Vancouver Bandits. Established in 2023, ongoing and past projects through the Collective include camps and clinics for Indigenous youth and coaches, building new basketball courts in Indigenous communities, and hosting the 2026 Junior All Native Basketball Tournament.

Bandits Guard Jarkel Joiner Signs Exhibit 10 Contract With Charlotte Hornets

By Bandits Staff • September 4, 2026
Vancouver Bandits guard Jarkel Joiner has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Charlotte Hornets. The news was announced by the Hornets on social media . During his time with the Bandits in the 2026 season, Joiner made 21 appearances, including 13 starts, and finished with 16.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.0 steals per games. Introduced in the NBA’s 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Exhibit 10 contracts are one-year deals. They can include a potential bonus if the player spends time with the team’s G League affiliate.

Former Bandits Guard Kyle Mangas Signs Exhibit 10 Contract with Charlotte Hornets

By Bandits Staff • September 3, 2026
Former Vancouver Bandits guard Kyle Mangas has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Charlotte Hornets. The news was announced by the Hornets on social media. Mangas is expected to practice and compete with the Hornets during the 2026-27 Training Camp and preseason from October 3rd to 12th. During his time with the Bandits in the 2025 season, Mangas finished top five on the team in points (15.3), rebounds (4.6), assists (3.3) and steals (1.3). Introduced in the NBA’s 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Exhibit 10 contracts are one-year deals. They can include a potential bonus if the player spends time with the team’s G League affiliate.

Bandits Unveil Newly Refurbished Basketball Court in South Vancouver

By Bandits Staff • September 1, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits have partnered with the Vancouver Park Board, Bandits Community Foundation and Little Legends Foundation to unveil a newly renovated outdoor basketball court at Grays Park in South Vancouver. Part of the Bandits Community Foundation’s Court Projects initiative, the team officially unveiled the refurbished court on Saturday (August 30). The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a free youth basketball clinic led by local coaches. Attendees also enjoyed a complimentary BBQ lunch, free haircuts and massages, and free backpacks and school supplies distributed for local youth. “The Bandits Community Foundation’s Court Projects initiative was designed to build and enhance public outdoor courts,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “The love for the game grows in spaces like Grays Park. This project would not have been possible without the support of our community partners. We will continue to enhance outdoor public courts, make them more inviting, and create stronger communities through basketball.” “Over the past few years, we have been trying to build one of the nicest courts here in South Vancouver for the community,” said community leader Spensir Sangara. “We recognized that Grays Park was one of the few neighbourhood parks without a quality basketball court for the community. Thank you to our businesses and donors who came together to make our vision a reality. This court is filled with a rich basketball culture and this is a legendary day for our community.” “When the Vancouver Bandits approached the Vancouver Park Board with the idea to upgrade this park, it seemed like the right fit and partner to help renew an important asset in a community where basketball plays such an important role,” said Vancouver Park Board Director of Business Services John Brodie. “Thank you to the Bandits and our partners for their generous contributions, and for being examples of what having a strong, community-oriented mission looks like.” The court refurbishment at Grays Park, located at 4850 St. Catherines Street in Vancouver, includes upgrades to the basketball hoops, playing area resurfacing and seating areas. Grays Park was identified as one of Vancouver’s most active outdoor basketball spaces, and community feedback strongly supported the refurbishment. Established in October 2023, the goal of Court Projects is to enhance outdoor basketball courts across British Columbia, creating productive and safe spaces for individuals to play while enriching local basketball at the community level. To date, this partnered team effort has featured the construction and installation of six brand new outdoor basketball courts and upgrading hundreds of basketball rims in communities across BC.​​

LATEST VIDEO

Full Game Highlights | Bandits at Saskatoon, 05/14/2026

By Bandits Staff • May 15, 2026
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Mamba on May 14, 2026.

A Message from Vancouver Bandits head coach Kyle Julius

By Bandits Staff • August 18, 2025
A message from Vancouver Bandits head coach and general manager Kyle Julius on the 2025 season and thoughts on the CEBL Western Conference Semifinal.

Full Game Highlights | Bandits vs. Calgary Surge (08/16/2025)

By Bandits Staff • August 16, 2025
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Calgary Surge on August 16th, 2025.

Full Game Highlights | Bandits vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears (08/03/2024)

By Bandits Staff • August 4, 2025
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on August 3rd, 2025.