For the first time since the pandemic, YMCA Calgary will host the Annual Indigenous Youth Hoops Tournament for its 16th season on Neighbour Day, Saturday, June 17, 2023.
The Hoops tournament is a fan favourite for the YMCA community. Eighteen teams of four have signed up to play, with more people joining to cheer the teams on and enjoy the live entertainment. This year, the tournament features special guest Drezus as the halftime performer, as well as traditional dancers, a live DJ, a land acknowledgement by the Calgary Police Service, and a blessing by Elder Jackie Bromley.
Beyond the joys of the game, the tournament is a great way to celebrate the City of Calgary’s Aboriginal Awareness Week and Indigenous Heritage Month.
Event Details:
- Saturday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Outdoor courts at Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton: 4995 Market Street SE
- This is a co-ed tournament. Teams must have four players.
- Registration starts at 11 a.m. with $25 fee that includes swag and lunch for the team.
“YMCA Calgary is proud to work with our community partners to ensure Indigenous youth, especially young women, have opportunities to build community and to experience Indigenous culture, through the sport of basketball,” says Shannon Doram, President & CEO of YMCA Calgary.
This year, the tournament is welcoming back past participants to show their leadership and coaching skills. "YMCA Youth Hoops is a tournament I have loved playing in for the last 15 years, since I was just learning the game,” says a past tournament participant, who will return this year as an Alumni player. The cross-generational tournament will help promote the value of community and the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle, in addition to providing youth with mentors who share the same interests as them.
For information and registration, please reach out to Sarena Provost, Manager, Indigenous Programs, at 587-391-0425 or sarena.provost@calgary.ymca.ca.
YMCA Calgary is grateful to the sponsors who help make the Annual Indigenous Youth Hoops Tournament possible: Miskanawah Community Services, USAY (Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth), Calgary Police Youth Foundation, Awo Tan Healing Lodge, Calgary Rotary West, Calgary Surge and Calgary Foundation.
Hear what our partners & community members have to say about the tournament:
“This is the Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society’s first year as a partner with the YMCA Calgary Annual Youth Hoops tournament. At Awo Taan we understand the importance of unity, working together to achieve common goals in order to support our Indigenous community and youth. We look forward to continuing nurturing this important partnership.”
– Samantha Efthimiou, Operations Manager, Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society.
“I’m pleased to see the return of the Annual Indigenous Youth Hoops Tournament. Across Calgary, basketball is being played by kids of all ages on outdoor courts, back-alley hoops, and in YMCA’s gyms. Basketball allows youth to have fun while building lifelong skills like teamwork and leadership.”
– Usman Tahir Jutt, Chairman, Calgary Surge
"Its great to see female players get a chance to win MVP and 3-on-3 Point Shoot in a predominately male dominated sport, it's empowering for female ballers to get the same recognition at YMCA. I love the game just as much."
– 18-year-old female in the 2018 tournament
“The Rotary Club is excited to join the YMCA in this annual event. Looking forward to a great competition as well as an amazing gathering of our Indigenous youths, incredible organizations, and generous volunteers.”
– Farid Bedwany, Diversity Equity & Inclusion District Committee Member, Rotary Club of Calgary West
"YMCA Calgary's Annual Youth Hoops tournament is a remarkable success, empowering Indigenous youth through basketball and vital recreational support. We're proud to be longstanding partners, united in our commitment to empower the next generation through sports."
– LeeAnne Ireland, Executive Director, Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY).
“As a community foundation, Calgary Foundation envisions a community where everyone belongs. And what better way to build belonging than through sport? We are thrilled to be a sponsor of the YMCA’s Youth Hoops Tournament and look forward to watching these young shooting stars!”
– Taylor Barrie, Vice-President, Communications, Calgary Foundation
