Four B.C. First Nations communities have new outdoor basketball courts, courtesy of the 91原创-based Vancouver Bandits pro team, FortisBC Energy Inc., and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I鈭橲PARC).

On Friday, Oct. 27, the partners announced the full and half courts will serve as new recreational hubs for local youth in Shxwh谩:y Village and Soowahlie First Nation near Chilliwack, as well as Snuneymuxw First Nation near Nanaimo and Sumas First Nation near Abbotsford.

Three have been completed, while work on a fourth is underway.

Called 鈥楥ourt Projects鈥� the program is also supported by the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, as well as various local partners.

Bandits, FortisBC, and I鈭橲PARC have hosted the annual Indigenous Basketball Collective Camp during the B.C. Basketball Festival at 91原创 Events Centre (LEC) each summer since 2022.

Bandits have collaborated with schools, recreation centres and local partners to donate new metal rims and fresh net mesh.

Bandits team president Dylan Kular said it was an 鈥渉onour鈥� to work with FortisBC in partnership with Indigenous communities across B.C. to build basketball courts for public use by individuals of all ages.

鈥淏asketball is one of Canada鈥檚 most 鈥渋nclusive sports and we hope these new courts can serve as an added resource to help encourage recreation, as well as active and healthy lifestyles,鈥� said Kular.

It is the latest initiative of the Indigenous Basketball Collective, which aims to create increased opportunities for Indigenous players, coaches and others involved in basketball.

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