Spring 2019 Midnight Madness Basketball kicks off
(TORONTO) April 12, 2019 — Six community basketball teams will compete in Toronto Community Housing's Midnight Madness Basketball tournament this spring, as the court and life skills program launches April 12 at the University of Toronto's Goldring Centre for High-Performance Sport.
TCHC delivers the program, now in its seventh season, in partnership with the University of Toronto, the Ontario Basketball Association, and First Book Canada. More than 70 youth aged 14 to 18 meet weekly to play ball and hear from a roster of special guests, ranging from sports psychologists to financial literacy guides and professional coaches.
Every Friday night from April 12 to May 24, youth from several Toronto communities including Chester Le, Driftwood, Eglinton West, Elmbank (Rexdale areas), East Mall, and Galloway/Danzig, will meet to practise their basketball skills and learn new ones, under the guidance of community coaches and seasoned mentors. The fall season, beginning in mid-October, usually sees many returning players.
The players take part in team-building exercises and learn fundamental basketball skills such as dribbling, defensive and shooting techniques. They also learn life skills: workshops about financial literacy, values and decision-making, conflict resolution, leadership and citizenship are planned throughout the six-week program. All the teams will compete for the Midnight Madness Basketball Championship Cup, currently held by the team from Glamorgan and Birchmount.
University of Toronto Sport psychologist Sina Azimi will kick off the personal development workshops on April 12. Among the other guest speakers are Ryerson Rams head coach Roy Rana on April 26 and Emmanuel Jal, who will deliver a human rights workshop on closing night, May 24.
Quotes:
"Toronto Community Housing thanks our partners the University of Toronto, the Ontario Basketball Association, and First Book Canada for their continuing support of Midnight Madness Basketball. This unique community basketball program supports health and wellness in our communities, and offers our youth both team-building and leadership opportunities."
Kevin Marshman, President and CEO, Toronto Community Housing Corporation
Nadia Gouveia, Director of Program Development, Tenant and Community Services, Toronto Community Housing welcomes players and coaches to Midnight Madness Basketball, spring 2019 season.
A crossview of participants at the opening night of Midnight Madness Basketball, spring 2019 season.
Teams compete at the spring edition of Midnight Madness Basketball tournament.
About Toronto Community Housing
Toronto Community Housing is Canada's largest social housing landlord, providing homes for nearly 60,000 low and moderate-income households in neighbourhoods across the city. We are wholly owned by the City of Toronto and our 2,100 buildings represent a $10-billion public asset.
TCHC media line 416-737-1352 or media@torontohousing.ca
