Surveying the scene at the grand opening of a new outdoor basketball court in Stratford, Paul Jones saw two important things intertwined, and it brought out a big smile.
“First of all, it is basketball and it is kids, you can never go wrong when you put the two together,” the Toronto Raptors radio announcer said before an official ‘opening tip’ at the court on Saturday.
Dozens of Stratford Revolution basketball players were nearby: shooting, passing and dribbling on six basketball nets at the multi-colour court at the SERC site.
“All of the stuff that we try to teach kids, values, are learned through sports. Next to my mom and dad basketball taught me more about life than anything else. All those things we try to teach, you learn through basketball."
Teamwork, dedication, respect, how to win, how to lose, commitment – Jones noted, before pausing and looking around, knowing local youth have an outdoor venue he could only have dreamed of.
Stratford Basketball Association spearheaded the effort, led by an outdoor basketball court committee that included Brian Cooper, his wife Lori Belanger and Michael Bartlett. All three live in Stratford and have deep rooted basketball connections nationally, and locally.
“From day one we have said it is the spirit of Stratford,” Cooper said. “Not just a small group, a community coming together donating funds, donating services. We have a state of the art basketball court for our kids, so we are really pleased with the outcome.”
The court cost about $250,000 and is open to everyone, although several people at the opening said plans are being discussed to organize sign-ups and scheduling. A number of local businesses and individuals donated funds to get the project completed.
There are a few things left to complete at the site, including installing lights, so players can keep the games going after dark.
Jones introduced Nav Bhatia during the opening ceremony. Bhatia’s ‘superfan’ status is well-known. He has sat courtside at Raptors games every year since they joined the NBA.
Bhatia – whose superfan foundation made a donation to the court – said talent can only take a person so far.
“Hard work starts here,” he told the young basketball players.
Jones worked with Cooper when he worked for the Raptors in their inaugural season. He said he played with people from Greece, Slovakia and Serbia, while his roommate was from Tillsonburg.
He bumped into another old basketball friend when long-time Stratford educator Martin Ritsma introduced himself. He reminded Jones that the two played against each other, when Ritsma was at the University of Windsor and Jones suited up for York University.
Jones said the sport has grown since he was young and hustling over to the only outdoor court in his Toronto neighbourhood.
“Kids gravitate towards the game. It has become an avenue for fitness, socializing, a healthy lifestyle. If I had a court like this I would never go home. It is wonderful for the growth of the game.”
Added Belanger: “The intention of the court is to provide a fun and safe sport for anyone that has a ball and a pair of sneakers that wants to be here. But if we have a hand in developing the very first NBA player to come out of Stratford, we will take it.”
