Ottawa BlackJacks Partner with the City of Ottawa to Offer Free Basketball Clinics
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday the launch of community basketball clinics with BlackJacks players and coaches, in partnership with the City of Ottawa.
The six-week program is aimed at developing the game of basketball in Ottawa and providing pre-registered boys and girls from Alexander and Michele Heights Community Centres with the opportunity to learn from, and be inspired by, Ottawa’s professional basketball team, the Ottawa BlackJacks, in an inclusive and fun environment.
The clinic curriculum will focus on shooting, ball handling and defense. Sessions will take place outdoors while operating under current provincial health guidelines.
The BlackJacks can play a unique role in inspiring the next generation of local athletes and helping them develop the necessary skills to succeed in sport and in life. With more than 90 years of professional experience competing in some of the best leagues around the world, the BlackJacks roster and coaching staff include homegrown athletes and coaches, such as the University of Ottawa legend and BlackJacks guard Johnny Berhanemeskel, Carleton Ravens guard Alain Louis, and Gee-Gees Hall of Famer and BlackJacks assistant coach Fabienne Blizzard.
Additional community clinics will become available when pandemic restrictions are lifted.
The BlackJacks concluded their season-opening three-game homestand followed by a two-game road trip with a 1-4 record, earning their first-ever win at the Arena at TD Place on June 28 against the Guelph Nighthawks. Ottawa’s next home game is scheduled on July 10 for a rematch against the Fraser Valley Bandits. Games can be streamed live on CEBL+, CBC Gem or Twitch.
The CEBL began its 2021 season following the success of this past year's CEBL Summer Series in St. Catharines, Ontario, which saw millions of viewers from across Canada and around the world tune in to watch 26 games played over 15 days in a single-site league competition. The CEBL became the first professional sports league in Canada to return to play after the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in mid-March shut down sports across the country.
Quotes:
“As the local professional basketball team, the BlackJacks have an obligation to not only grow the game of basketball in our nation’s capital, but to also reach out to boys and girls across Ottawa sharing the life opportunities that come with active participation. We are excited to partner with the City of Ottawa to launch this basketball program. We are happy to finally meet our community in-person and we can’t wait to unveil the other initiatives we’ve been working on. As vaccination rates increase, we will be able to host more events throughout the City.”
- Michael Cvitkovic, President, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club
“I am very pleased the City of Ottawa is lending its support to building the game of basketball amongst children in our city. Partnering with the Ottawa BlackJacks allows us to break down barriers and make the sport more accessible in communities that will truly benefit from enhanced access to sports programs. In light of the challenges caused by the pandemic, these clinics are sure to be a bright spot for kids in our community this summer.”
- Mayor Jim Watson, City of Ottawa
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About the Ottawa BlackJacks
The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks will showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. In its inaugural campaign, the BlackJacks earned a semifinal appearance at the 2020 CEBL Summer Series. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, 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 will play 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 80 per cent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players come from the 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 more information on CEBL.ca or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Linkedin, Facebook & YouTube. (@cebleague).
Social Media
Facebook: /OttawaBlackJacks
Twitter: @Ott_Blackjacks
Instagram: ottawablackjacks
Contact:
Marika Guérin
Manager, Communications and Community
Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club