Ottawa BlackJacks Launch School Challenge
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday the launch of the inaugural Ottawa BlackJacks School Challenge.
The Ottawa BlackJacks School Challenge is a free program that rewards elementary and high school students and teachers from the Ottawa/Gatineau region for participating in age-appropriate physical activity.
In the past year, the BlackJacks took part in various community initiatives to grow the game of basketball in the National Capital Region, including basketball clinics in partnership with the City of Ottawa and the Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa.
Understanding the pandemic is having a significant impact on school programming, the BlackJacks built a virtual program with the goal of encouraging students to remain healthy and active in a safe environment.
The nine-week program invites classes to participate in physical activity and record it to the online portal each week. Prizes will be given throughout the course of the challenge, such as BlackJacks game tickets, basketballs, merchandise and more. BlackJacks assistant coaches Fabienne Blizzard and Michael Gibson l’Africain will help lead the fun.
Teachers from the Ottawa/Gatineau region are invited to visit the Ottawa BlackJacks School Challenge website (https://www.theblackjacks.ca/school-challenge-registration) and register their class before Oct. 18, 2021.
More information about the challenge can be found on the BlackJacks website at https://www.theblackjacks.ca/school-challenge.
Quote:
“We are proud to initiate the Ottawa BlackJacks School Challenge. Working together with teachers and school boards to increase physical activity will have a lasting impact on the health of our children. This is not just about basketball, in today’s climate, we must play a role in encouraging physical activity as part of our daily education.”
Michael Cvitkovic, President, Ottawa BlackJacks
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About the Ottawa BlackJacks
The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. Having recently completed its second season, the BlackJacks earned a semifinal appearance at the 2021 CEBL Championship Weekend in Edmonton. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. Led by general manager Jevohn Shepherd, assistant general manager Andy Rautins and head coach Charles Dubé-Brais, Ottawa plays its home games out of the world-class Arena at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. For more information visit www.theblackjacks.ca.
About Canadian Elite Basketball League
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 75 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season typically runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube
Social Media
Facebook: /OttawaBlackJacks
Twitter: @Ott_Blackjacks
Instagram: ottawablackjacks
Contact:
Marika Guérin
Senior Manager, Communications and Community
Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club