Basketball event bringing positivity and community togetherness to Heron Gate
Posted Jul 17, 2022 03:45:00 PM.
A basketball event taking place on Sunday, July 17 is spreading positivity and shining a bright light on one of Ottawa's hardest hit communities over the past few years.
High COVID-19 rates, transportation and crime have all impacted the south end Ottawa community of Heron Gate.
The Heron Gate Hoopfest takes place in the afternoon of July 17 at the Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse located at 1770 Heatherington Road.
Paul Howard, one of the organizers who is from the Heron Gate area, told The Sam Laprade Show on Friday, July 15 that the Heron Gate Hoopfest is a way to uplift residents and the youth living in the area.
“In Heron gate, it's been very challenging,” he said. “We just want to spread the joy and love and I know that youth are capable of doing that here.”
The Heron Gate Hoopfest is free and participants receive some basketball swag, including a t-shirt and a water bottle, and there is a pizza lunch and a barbecue at the conclusion of the event.
Ottawa's own Marial Shayok, who was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2019 National Basketball Association draft, along with well-known coaches from the Ottawa area are taking part in the basketball event and offering clinics to the participants.
There is also a game between the Heron Gate Legends and OC Transpo and a halftime slam-dunk contest. There will also be talks from life skills coaches.
'We are better when we lift each other up,” said Howard. “This is going to be so much fun.”
Listen to the full interview with Paul Howard below:
