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

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:

• 
  Completed - Full court: Shxwhá:y Village (Chilliwack)
• Completed - Half-court: Soowahlie First Nation (Chilliwack)
• Completed - Full court: Snuneymuxw First Nation (Nanaimo)
• In development: Sumas First Nation (Abbotsford)

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

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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.