A program that partners with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council () to encourage Indigenous participation in basketball has been extended, with a renewed emphasis on coaching and officiating clinics as well as youth camps that will be hosted throughout 2024 as part of the Indigenous Basketball Collective.

A collaborative effort between the Bandits and 滨路厂笔础搁颁, the goal of the collective since its inception in 2022 has been to create increased opportunities for Indigenous players, coaches and others involved in the sport.

The partnership also includes the development of outdoor basketball courts through the Court Projects initiative.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Vancouver Bandits help build new basketball courts at four Indigenous B.C communities

The schedule for future coaching, officiating and player development camps will be announced at a later date.

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (滨路厂笔础搁颁) 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 滨路厂笔础搁颁 are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation and physical activity in First Nations communities, M茅tis Chartered Communities, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, schools and other delivery agencies throughout BC.

滨路厂笔础搁颁鈥檚 CEO Rick Brant noted basketball is one of the most popular sports among Indigenous youth in BC.

鈥淲e greatly value our partnership with the Vancouver Bandits as it reflects our shared commitment to Indigenous basketball development,鈥� Brant said.

Bandits team president Dylan Kular said 鈥渢here is a thriving Indigenous basketball ecosystem in British Columbia and we are grateful for our partnership with 滨路厂笔础搁颁 to connect with both current and aspiring basketball players, coaches and officials by creating more opportunities for them to play and learn.鈥�

READ ALSO: Indigenous-inspired jersey design unveiled by Vancouver Bandits

Earlier this fall the Bandits and 滨路厂笔础搁颁 hosted a free basketball camp in North Vancouver for youth from across the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley regions.