Students from Bow Valley High School (BVHS) are recruiting teams for the inaugural running of Hoops for Hope.
The three-on-three basketball tournament is slated to get underway at BVHS at 2 p.m., May 9. Hosted by the school’s leadership team, the fundraising event will support Right to Play, an international organization that brings the power of play to children facing adversity.
“If we get to play, everyone should have the chance to play too,” said Katelyn Winter, a Grade 11 leadership student. “That’s why we chose Right to Play — it has a worldwide reach, but it also helps here in Canada.”
Teams of five — or six with a non-playing member — can enter in either fun or competitive leagues. Competitive teams can expect to play under full basketball guidelines, while fun league teams will play with a bit of a twist.
The 10-minute games will be played half-court style in the school’s gym and on the outdoor court. Winter said each team should expect to play at least four matches.
A halftime show will feature a variety of entertainment, as well as a hoops-related contest.
The leadership troupe has set a fundraising goal of $10,000.
Right to Play is no stranger to Cochrane — it’s the charity of choice for runner and humanitarian Martin Parnell. So far, Parnell’s Quest for Kids has raised more than $600,000 for the organization.
“I love seeing people pick up the baton and do their own thing,” remarked Parnell, who just returned from his ninth — and penultimate — fundraising quest.
“These kids are taking sports and play, helping themselves, having fun and using that to help other people. It’s so cool they’ve taken this on.”
To enter, each team needs to raise a minimum of $250. The preferred deadline to register is May 2, but teams will be accepted until May 6, said Winter.
Registration forms can be picked up and dropped off at BVHS and Winter Photographics. More information can be found on the Hoops for Hope Facebook page.
