Parks Foundation Calgary Celebrates Grand Opening of First-of-its-Kind Facility with Youth Basketball Tournament

0
592

Calgary’s newest inner-city multipurpose sport court is a family-friendly destination that encourages sport development and a love of play. On September 24, 2022, Parks Foundation Calgary, in partnership with the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association and the Calgary Foundation, celebrated the grand opening of the Bridgeland Sport Court.

BRCA partnered with Parks Foundation Calgary to develop the Bridgeland Sport Court to ensure that it provides community value, fosters connection and wellness, and promotes sports development. “The Bridgeland Sport Court is a unique and vital addition to Calgary’s inner-city. We know sports development and recreation play a pivotal role in mental health and physical wellness,” says Sheila Taylor, CEO Parks Foundation Calgary. “Our city’s parks and sporting facilities welcome all ages and abilities to enjoy sport and the outdoors in a safe, innovative environment.”

To kick off the opening of the Bridgeland Sport Court, a 3×3 basketball tournament was held to break in the new space. 3×3 basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in Canada. Over 50 local athletes spent the day in friendly competition accompanied by music by DJ Mello. Huge shoutout to local basketballer Stephen Kerr who not only designed the court, but also organized the tournament. Also, a massive thanks to Pam at the BRCA hall for organizing all the food and logistics, and all of our volunteers who came out to help score keep and hand out basketballs! We couldn’t have run the day without you!

Members of the University of Calgary men’s basketball team also took to the courts with a skills showcase and meet and greet with local youth. Thanks to the Dinos for their volunteerism!

“The sport court will be a gathering place for people of all ages to practice and develop their skills,” says Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association representative, Ali McMillan. “We know that sports development begins at a young age, and we’re so pleased to have facilities like Bridgeland Sport Court for youth to gather and play.”