Neighbourhood Hoops celebration game a slam dunk on getting community together to celebrate Hamilton youth

Hamilton, ON - August 29, 2017 - On August 30, the Neighbourhood Hoops program will host the Neighbourhood Hoops All Stars and McMaster Marauder Basketball in a celebration game. The game marks the end of the 2017 Neighbourhood Hoops summer street ball league program. City of Hamilton Councillor Jason Farr will be playing alongside the participants of the Neighbourhood Hoops team. The half time show will feature inspirational rap from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hamilton and a free throw contest for audience participation.  This event is open to the public and will take place at Dr. J Edgar Davey Basketball Courts from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.

“I am so proud to take part annually in this celebration of the great Canadian invention known as basketball. This hugely successful city-wide program is proof that anyone can and does play for fun, companionship and health." - Councillor Jason Farr, Ward 2 Councillor, City of Hamilton

The Neighbourhood Hoops program is now in its third year. The program provides youth between the ages of 9 to 14 with the opportunity to participate in skills-based basketball development programming in their neighbourhood.  In addition to helping local youth, basketball coaches also receive full National Coaching Certification training and coaching resources and curriculum to advance their coaching abilities.

“Canadian Tire Jumpstart is proud to be part of the Neighbourhood Hoops initiative.  Any time we can help youth get involved in a grass roots basketball program right in their own neighbourhood is a perfect opportunity for Jumpstart to be involved in such a collaborative.” - Harry Bell, Regional Manager Hamilton, Niagara and SWO, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

Quick Facts

• Over 500 youth ages 9 to 14 have participated in the Neighbourhood Hoops program city-wide.
• The Neighbourhood Hoops program operates a 10 week skill development program in the winter and an eight week summer street ball league program.
• The Neighbourhood Hoops program is a collective community effort and was developed in partnership between the City of Hamilton, the Beasley Neighbourhood Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hamilton, the Eva Rothwell Resource Centre, McMaster Athletes Care, Wesley Urban Ministries, and the YMCA of Hamilton Burlington and Brantford. Canada Basketball’s Steve Nash Youth Basketball program and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities joined the Hoops collaborative in 2016 and officially endorsed the program as an effective model for supporting the growth of basketball for youth.

“McMaster University and the McMaster Athletes Care program is proud to support the Neighbourhood Hoops Program. We believe that investing in Hamilton youth makes Hamilton a better place for years to come.” - Nicole Grosel, Coordinator of Community & Alumni Engagement Department of Athletics & Recreation, McMaster University

Additional Resources

• Steve Nash Youth Basketball – Canada Basketball
• Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
• McMaster Athletes Care