When the Toronto Raptors won the NBA Championship in June 2019 the country went crazy. Fans of all ages took to the streets to celebrate a win that pushed Canadian basketball to the forefront in the eyes of sports fans all over North America.
Despite basketball being invented in Canada, the sport often falls behind hockey and soccer when it comes to the country’s most popular sports. However, after the Raptor’s win last year CBC news reported what was called the “Raptors ripple” in the national capital region when it came to registration for basketball in fall 2019.
The Kanata Youth Basketball Association (KYBA) saw a 20 per cent jump in registration, bringing their members up to 1,200 this year. KYBA told CBC news that the biggest increase was seen in Grade 7 to 9 boys but they also saw record-breaking tryouts for competitive teams in Grades 8 and 9. Coach Shamir Kanji said the only reason they stopped at 20 per cent growth is that they lack the facilities needed to support more players.
CBC news also reported growth at the Gloucester Cumberland Basketball Association who also saw a 20 per cent increase, mostly in ages eight to 13. The Ottawa Shooting Stars had their registration fill up in a mere two minutes. The Association de basketball de Gatineau (ABG) said their registration has increased by 25 per cent as compared to last year, making their tryouts more competitive. “We were expecting between 20 and 30 kids in the gym, but we found ourselves with 50 to 60 people at the same time competing for 12 places,” President of ABG Jonathan Brulotte told CBC news.
Even though tryouts may be a little more competitive in the wake of the Raptor’s landmark victory there are still lots of ways to get involved and enjoy playing basketball in the Ottawa area. A few local basketball clubs include:
- Association de Basketball de Gatineau
- Gloucester Cumberland Basketball Association
- Kanata Youth Basketball Association
- Nepean Blues Devils Basketball Association
- Ottawa Shooting Stars
- Ottawa South Basketball Association
- Capital Xelles
- Ottawa Phoenix Basketball
- Prescott Russell Basketball Club
The Ottawa Sport and Social Club also offers adults the opportunity to enjoy the sport in a fun and social atmosphere.
Basketball is a fun and affordable sport for all ages. It has been shown to build endurance, improve balance and coordination, develop concentration and self discipline and build muscle. It also teaches participants how to be a team player.
Ride the wave of the “Raptors ripple” and sign up for a team near you. You may just find your next favourite sport!