COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

December 7, 2025

The Responsibility of Welcoming Newcomers

Communities grow strongest when they remember that belonging is not automatic, it is created. For newcomers and immigrants, the journey to a new country asks more of the human spirit than most people ever see. They arrive with hopes, skills, questions, and fears, stepping into a world where everything from language to weather to social norms is unfamiliar. Their success depends not only on their own resilience, but on the willingness of the community to walk beside them.

Helping newcomers is not simply an act of charity; it is an act of community building. Every society becomes richer socially, culturally, and ethically when it intentionally invests in those who are just beginning their journey. The philosopher John Dewey once wrote that a healthy community is measured not by how well the strongest thrive, but by how well the newest members are supported. In this sense, a newcomer’s experience becomes a mirror of the community’s values.

This idea also emerges in the Old Testament, where hospitality is framed not as a religious obligation but as a profound ethical duty. The Hebrew Scriptures repeatedly remind the people to welcome the stranger “for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). The point is not theological, it is philosophical. It suggests that societies flourish when they remember their own beginnings and choose to extend the hand they once wished someone had extended to them.

Welcoming newcomers is therefore an act of shared memory and shared humanity. It recognizes that everyone, at some point, needed someone to open a door.

In practical terms, creating a new life in a new country requires more than resources, it requires relationships. When newcomers are invited into community events, school activities, sports programs, and mentorship opportunities, they gain more than participation; they gain orientation, confidence, and belonging. These simple moments become turning points: a first hockey game, a first school club, a first conversation where someone pronounces their name correctly.

These experiences ground people in their new environment and help them feel seen, not as outsiders trying to fit in, but as full contributors shaping the community’s future.

Philosophically, supporting newcomers affirms a core truth: human flourishing depends on connection. The Greek concept of philia, or community friendship, describes the mutual goodwill required for societies to function well. It teaches that we do not grow alone; we grow in networks of care, mentorship, and opportunity.

For a newcomer, even one meaningful connection a coach, a teacher, a neighbour, a community volunteer can shift the entire trajectory of their settlement experience.

Community leaders, teachers, and coaches play a unique role in this process. They serve as cultural interpreters, mentors, and steady points of reference in times of uncertainty. Their influence extends beyond instruction; they become symbols of possibility. When a young newcomer participates in a team, attends an event, or receives guidance from someone who believes in them, they begin to imagine a future that feels achievable. Support becomes empowerment.

This is why the work of helping newcomers is not peripheral, it is essential. It strengthens the social fabric. It enhances collective resilience. And it builds a culture of honour, empathy, and moral responsibility.

A line from the Book of Isaiah captures this philosophy perfectly:
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” — Isaiah 1:17

This verse is not a theological prescription. It is an ethical blueprint:

• learn to do good intentionally,
• stand with those starting from disadvantage,
• and use one’s position to uplift those who are still finding their footing.

In the context of immigration, these principles translate into practical actions, creating welcoming environments, offering mentorship, fostering inclusion, and ensuring that newcomers have access to opportunities that allow them not only to survive, but to thrive.

Communities do not become strong by chance. They become strong through deliberate acts of hospitality, shared responsibility, and the courage to help others begin again. When we open doors for new arrivals, students, families, youth, workers, we don’t just help them adapt. We help shape a more compassionate, resilient, and vibrant society.

Supporting newcomers is not about looking back; it is about building forward.
Because every new beginning strengthens the community that welcomes it.

November 13, 2025

Investing in Youth to Build a Better Future

Community engagement isn’t a side project, it’s the foundation of a safer, stronger future. In Calgary, Alberta, where youth unemployment consistently hovers above national averages, nearing 17 % for young people aged 15‑24 in recent years our young people face real barriers to meaningful work and education. I have been in Calgary since 2019 and, I’ve seen how sport, mentorship, and education can combine to change outcomes.

As a basketball coach and youth worker, I understand that investing in youth means more than drills, practices, or game nights, it means scaffolding their development so they can navigate life’s transitions with confidence, competence, and purpose. This investment is especially critical in a city like Calgary, with rapid growth, diverse communities, and newcomers who bring energy and aspiration but often lack the local networks, cultural familiarity, or family supports to thrive in post‑secondary education or the labor market.

For immigrant youth, the journey from newcomer to workforce or university can feel like crossing a bridge without handrails but that’s where my role becomes vital. In our program, sport serves as the gateway. During basketball sessions, I weave in résumé writing workshops, interview simulations, job‑market orientation, and networking strategies. I partner with local job centers to pull back the curtain on the “hidden job market” and show youth how to present themselves professionally even before their first job. I guide them into post‑secondary pathways: helping them understand program applications, scholarships, and campus culture in Canada.

On the court, we don’t just practice jump shots, we practice self‑management, accountability, decision‑making, and resilience, the same attributes that help our youth thrive in work, school, and life. At the same time, I work with parents and guardians, particularly those new to Canada through informal sessions that explain local labor markets, post‑secondary systems, and how to support their children’s ambitions. Many parents are doing their best, but they’ve never had anyone teach them how to coach, support, or scaffold youth in a Canadian context. By educating families in real‑life skills, communication, encouragement, understanding workplace culture, we strengthen the entire support system around each young person. When the family unit is aligned, the young person has a higher chance to persist, rebound from setbacks, and remain engaged. What begins on the court grows into community belonging, self‑confidence, and life‑readiness.

The lessons learned, show up on time, commit to the process, respect your teammates, adjust under pressure are life lessons as much as athletic ones. When youth feel connected to their communities, valued as individuals, and supported by coaches, mentors, and family, they’re less likely to walk away, disengage, or fall into risky behaviors. Controlling the narrative of the future lies in how we invest today. That means creating safe spaces for growth, offering opportunities for skill development, providing meaningful experiences, and celebrating progress.

In Calgary’s context with its mix of under‑served neighborhoods, immigrant populations, and evolving economy our work gains urgency and purpose. I commit to being the guide, the coach, the supporter who scaffolds the journey so that when youth step into adulthood, they step in with strength, clarity, and vision. To the parents and community members, I invite you to join in this mission. Because when our young people succeed when they secure meaningful jobs, engage in higher education, and contribute positively to the city every neighborhood benefits. Our investment today is our return tomorrow.

It’s more than sport; it’s life preparation. It’s more than mentoring; it’s community building. Together, we’re creating a future where every young person in Calgary knows that they belong, they are valued, and they have a role.

October 12, 2025

Guiding Newcomers Through Sport, Community, and Life

This past week, I had the privilege of taking a group of secondary and high school students, new immigrants and newcomers to a Calgary Hitmen versus Medicine Hat Panthers hockey game. For many of them, it was their first live sporting event, their first taste of community engagement, and perhaps one of the first moments where life outside school and home felt expansive and welcoming. As I watched them experience the thrill of the game, the roar of the crowd, and the camaraderie of cheering together, I realized how profoundly small gestures can shape young lives, particularly for those who are just beginning their journey in a new country.

Guiding these students has reminded me that teaching and mentorship extend far beyond the classroom or the gym. To envision the life of someone who is new to a place, a culture, or even a language is to practice foresight in the truest sense. When I organized this outing, I thought carefully not only about logistics but also about the social, emotional, and cultural impact it could have. I asked myself: How can I help them feel seen? How can I offer experiences that cultivate belonging? How can I empower them to engage with a broader community that may feel foreign or intimidating? Foresight is not just about personal goals; it is also about anticipating how our actions can open doors for others, creating opportunities for growth, joy, and connection.

Philosophically, this experience resonates with the idea that life unfolds through shared experiences, and that mentorship is a moral act of bridging gaps. The students’ wide eyed excitement and curiosity reminded me of the Stoic teaching that life is about perspective: we shape our understanding of the world by how we engage with it. By bringing them into a communal space, I wasn’t just facilitating entertainment; I was helping them envision a life full of possibilities, where they belong and can thrive. For newcomers, every moment of connection, every introduction to a local cultural experience, is a stepping stone toward identity, confidence, and purpose.

Faith, too, informs how I approach moments like this. Proverbs 22:6 encourages, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” While this verse often applies to moral and spiritual guidance, it also speaks to nurturing opportunities for growth and exposure. By guiding students through community experiences, by showing them how to engage with the world around them, we plant seeds of courage, curiosity, and resilience. In these moments, mentoring becomes an act of stewardship not just of knowledge or skill, but of hope and belonging.

Organizing and witnessing this outing reminded me how interconnected vision, preparation, and faith are in shaping meaningful experiences. Just as foresight helps us set personal goals and anticipate challenges in life or sport, it also equips us to create transformative opportunities for others. Each step, each carefully considered plan, can become a turning point in a young person’s journey. Seeing the students laugh, cheer, and connect with their peers in the stands, I felt both humility and joy. Life starts anew for them in this country, and I am grateful to play even a small role in that beginning.

Ultimately, taking students to their first community experience of this kind reinforced a truth I hold deeply, our lives are most meaningful when we help others see beyond their immediate horizon, when we provide guidance, encouragement, and faith in the possibility of tomorrow. The thrill of a goal scored or a cheer shared is temporary, but the memory of being welcomed into a community, of being guided to feel like you belong, can shape a lifetime. In mentoring these students, I am reminded that teaching is not merely about instruction; it is about creating experiences that inspire, nurture, and illuminate the path ahead.

September 28, 2025

Helping Immigrant Youth Find Their Way

I often think about the young people I meet every day, the kids who walk into my life carrying stories I’ll never fully know. Immigrant youth face a world that can feel both full of opportunity and deeply confusing. They’re navigating new schools, new languages, and new social norms while carrying the weight of uncertainty: Do I belong here? Can I succeed? Who can guide me when everything feels unfamiliar?

Watching them, I realize that much of what they need doesn’t come from a textbook or a classroom. It comes from guidance, perspective, and someone who can help them see the possibilities in themselves. It comes from being given permission to explore, to fail, and to try again in a space that is patient and understanding.

Understanding the Struggle

Immigrant youth often face challenges that go unseen:

• Isolation: They feel separate from peers who “already belong.”
• Cultural confusion: Simple social expectations can feel like puzzles, leaving them unsure how to act.
• Limited support: Families may be doing their best, but they can’t always provide the guidance these young people need in a completely new system.
• Self-doubt: Questions about identity, ability, and potential can creep in, creating anxiety or fear of trying.

These are not small obstacles. They are fundamental human experiences, and yet, they are often invisible to the world around them.

What I’ve Learned

Through years of working with elementary and high school students, I’ve learned a few things:

1. Confidence is cultivated, not given. It’s not about telling a child “you can do it”; it’s about helping them experience success in small, meaningful ways. Even a minor accomplishment can shift a child’s sense of what is possible.
2. Resilience is a skill. Life will throw challenges, and these kids are learning that earlier than most. By guiding them to reflect on their setbacks and try again, they begin to understand that failure is not final it’s a step toward growth.
3. Belonging matters more than achievement at first. Before any skill or test score matters, these kids need to know they are seen and valued for who they are. A sense of inclusion lays the groundwork for everything else.
4. Connection is a two way street. I can teach, mentor, and guide, but I also learn from them. Their courage, creativity, and adaptability constantly remind me why this work matters.

Solutions I See

While every child is unique, some practices consistently help:

• Providing space for agency: Letting students make decisions, experiment, and take ownership of their actions.
• Modeling reflection: Showing them how to think about what worked, what didn’t, and how to adjust.
• Creating communities of support: Encouraging peer mentorship and relationships where students help each other navigate challenges.
• Celebrating small wins: Recognizing progress no matter how minor reinforces effort and capability.
• Teaching skills alongside values: Life lessons like empathy, patience, and responsibility are as important as academic or athletic skills.

Why This Matters

For me, working with these kids isn’t just about skills, programs, or results. It’s about witnessing transformation. It’s about seeing a child who once doubted themselves stand taller, speak with more confidence, and begin to see a path forward. It’s about knowing that the lessons learned here about persistence, creativity, courage, and community will stay with them long after they leave this room, this city, or even this country.

I believe that when youth feel seen, understood, and guided, they can navigate the uncertainty of a new world with clarity and purpose. The goal isn’t just helping them fit in it’s helping them thrive, to imagine and then create a life where they can belong fully and authentically.

Every day is a reminder that the work is never just about the present moment. It’s about planting seeds small acts of guidance, patience, and attention that may grow into something a young person will carry for a lifetime. And if I can help even one young person feel capable, valued, and hopeful, then the effort is worth it.

Life is complicated, and for immigrant youth, it can feel overwhelming. But in those moments when they take that first confident step, reach for a goal they once thought impossible, or simply believe they can belong, I am reminded why this work is so essential.

August 16, 2025

Learning, Leading, and Growing Together

This past week at the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth summer camp, I had the privilege of being surrounded by nearly 200 young people from across the world. They came from Colombia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Iran, and so many other places, each carrying their own story of migration, adjustment, and hope.

When you look at the group photo, you might just see smiles, but behind those smiles are journeys filled with challenge. Every single one of these kids is working to rebuild their life in a new country. Some have only been here a few months. Others are just beginning to feel settled. They’re learning a new language, adjusting to a new culture, and trying to find where they belong all while carrying memories of the homes they left behind.

I know what that feels like. As an immigrant myself, I remember the uncertainty, the questions, and the quiet fears about whether I would ever truly fit in. It isn’t easy, and many times it feels like you have to grow up faster than you should. That’s why spaces like this camp matter so much: they give these young people a chance to be kids, to breathe, and to see that they aren’t walking alone.

But beyond fun, the camp is also a classroom for leadership and life lessons. Throughout the week, I watched them support each other, step up to lead in small ways, and practice resilience. These are lessons that will prepare them for their future in Canada:

• Learning to adapt. Just like in sport, flexibility is key. Life will throw challenges at them, but the ability to adjust with courage will serve them for years to come.
• Building community. True leadership isn’t about standing above others it’s about lifting those around you. These kids are discovering that strength comes from teamwork and mutual respect.
• Looking forward with hope. Even when the road is uncertain, setting goals and dreaming about the future is what keeps us moving.

What I do with them whether it’s leading a group through a field trip, guiding discussions, or simply listening isn’t just about teaching. It’s about walking alongside them, showing empathy, and reminding them that while the road may be hard, they have the ability to thrive.

As I stood there among all of them, I felt proud not only of the young people for their courage and determination, but also of the opportunity to play a small part in their journey. I know the challenges they face because I’ve faced them myself. And I know that the same struggle that feels heavy today can one day turn into wisdom, strength, and leadership for tomorrow.

This photo of the summer camp group isn’t just a memory of one week it’s a glimpse of what’s possible when newcomers are given the space to learn, to lead, and to prepare for the future with confidence.

July 7, 2025

Ernest Manning High School Community Visit

I had the privilege of visiting Ernest Manning High School. I presented our mentorship program and the broader support offered by the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY) to a group of 20 EAL newcomer students, some of whom had been in Canada for just one month, others up to two years.

It was a meaningful experience connecting with these students, hearing about their settlement journeys, and helping them see how our programs could support their growth and integration.

Grateful for opportunities like this where we can make a difference in the lives of immigrant and refugee youth.

May 4, 2025

TELUS Spark Science Centre Field Trip

This week, I had the joy of taking a group of high school students, newcomers to Canada from five different schools: Joane Cardinal Schubert, Bishop O’Byrne, Centennial, David Thompson, and Dr. E.P. Scarlett, on a field trip to TELUS Spark Science Centre.

For many of these youth, this was their first experience visiting a place like this. Watching them explore, learn, and light up with curiosity was truly special. It was more than just a fun day out, it was about creating memories, building connection, and helping them feel more at home in a new country.

Grateful for the chance to share this experience with them. These are the moments that matter.

November 28, 2024

3D Basketball Academy At the Blood Donation Drive

This week, my fellow 3D Basketball Club coaches and I had the privilege of donating blood at Canadian Blood Services. It was a small act, but one that could make a life-changing difference for those in need.

As coaches, we strive to lead by example—both on and off the court. Community engagement and helping others are values we emphasize daily. By donating blood, we hope to inspire others to step forward and give back in their own ways.

Every donation saves lives. Join us in making a difference! Visit Canadian Blood Services to learn how you can help.

#CommunityEngagement #GivingBack #LeadByExample #BloodDonation

August 16, 2022

University of Calgary WBB Volunteered Their Afternoon at  Calgary Food Bank

 

JULY 25, 2022

University of Calgary WBB Visited The Cambridge Manor Senior Wellness House 

University of Calgary Dinos Women’s Basketball program completed its first volunteer event this afternoon at the Cambridge Manor Senior Wellness House.

“Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people.” Mother Theresa

 

February 14, 2022

University of Calgary WBB Organizing 2nd and 3rd Annual Club Tournaments in April 20/22 and June 10/12, 2022 

We are excited to announce our 2nd and 3rd Annual Club Tournaments to be held in April 20/22 and June 10/12, 2022 at the University of Calgary Jack Simpson Courts.

July/August, 2021

University of Calgary WBB Organized 1st Annual Club Tournament 

Last weekend, we were able to host our first youth club tournament for a long time. I want to have this opportunity to thank to our traveling referees and their dedication to the game. A special thank-you to our U of C WBB players and team managers who keep our tournament organized and prepared. Thank you to all of our participant clubs that sent their teams to our tournament. Our medics kept our athletes safe on the court. Thank you for your quick and professional responses to any injury situations this weekend.

Finally, a very special thank-you to our tournament staff: Your commitment to our club and players is evident in the passion and professionalism you put into this tournament. This was our best tournament to date, and I am excited to start planning next year.

October, 2020

BC UNITED TOP 100 CAMP IN VANCOUVER, BC 

I had great time coaching at BC United Top 100 Camp in Vancouver this weekend. Very well organized camp by BC United, 3D BBall, Athelitebball and FYBA Basketball.

U of C WBB PARTNERED UP WITH BREAKTHROUGH BASKETBALL INC. (August 16, 2020)

U of C WBB partnered up with Breakthrough Basketball this weekend. 40 Warriors completed their 3 day very intense summer camp training in Calgary! Without U of C Dino’s fantastic four, I wouldn’t be able to run this camp this smoothly. Thank you so much Michaela Nieuwenhuizen, Erin McIntosh, Bobbi – Jo Colburn and Mya Proctor. You girls did an amazing job!

BASKETBALL SASKATCHEWAN U15 BOYS TEAM FUNDRAISING EVENTS (FEBRUARY 1, 2019)

U15 Boys Provincial team Head Coach Fatih Akser will be conducting player skills development clinic series for both boys and girls in Regina.

REGISTRATION LINK: You can register these basketball camps via https://sportform.ca/bsi/

** If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Head Coach Fatih Akser via fatihakser@hotmail.com

• 1v1 Skills Day Camp (March 15, 2019)

This camp is designed for players to develop their on and off the ball basketball fundamentals and skills. This camp will focus on improving players passing, ball handling, shooting and on/off the ball 1 on 1 defensive ability. Players will go through 1 on 1 game like drills amongst other players of their respective skill levels.

• Point Guard Camp (May 17, 2019)

Point Guard camp is established upon the idea of improving the guard abilities in all basketball players. We will focus on the techniques and the skills related to the guard position, which include, ball handling, shooting, perimeter game, and defense. No matter what position you play, this camp will take your game to the next level.

• Shooting Camp (June 14, 2019)

Shooting camp is designed to develop proper shooting technique and fundamentals for players of all positions. In this camp, you will improve your off the dribble and coming off screens shooting ability as well as the necessary footwork fundamental’s to become a good shooter.

BSI “HOLIDAY HOOPS” CAMP IN MELVILLE/YORKTON (JANUARY 2, 2019)

It was a great pleasure to work with Melville and Yorkton basketball community today.  Thank you so much for Coach Daniel allowing me to work with his players.

BSI “HOLIDAY HOOPS” CAMP IN MOOSE JAW (JANUARY 1, 2019)

Thank you so much for Moose Jaw basketball community for being a part of my basketball camp. There wouldn’t be any other way of starting a new year!

2. ANNUAL “COUGS IN SCHOOL” COMMUNITY BASKETBALL PROGRAM ENDED ITS FALL SEMESTER PRACTICES (DECEMBER 12, 2018)

It is important to understand that, we should all have a desire to give back and contribute to our immediate community. We were not born where we are today, neither did we reach this point alone. Somewhere along the way, someone helped us out and lent a helping hand when we could not help ourselves. I believe that it is our duty as a human being to help one another.

I strongly believe that compassion and kindness are key ingredients for happiness.  It leads us to want to do good without expecting anything in return, to look after each other and our environment. Since my wife and I arrived to Regina, we wanted to be a part of any community activity and volunteer opportunities.  We believe that volunteerism is servanthood. Because of that last year I started this 12 weeks community engagement program which is called “Cougs in School”.

Last year I was only able to connect with 3 schools but this year I had an opportunity to work with 5 community schools (Sacred Heart, Albert, Kitchener, Seven Stones and Holy Rosary). I had an opportunity to work with more than 200+ kids total and I hope I was able to spread the love the game to each of those little hearts!

* Special thanks to Gabriela Kukura, Maren Tunison, Emma Kukura, Jenna Ramsay, Sydney Kristine LaTrace, Angela Bongomin, Kyanna Giles and Kyia Giles who helped me during the practices.

ORGANIZED A BASKETBALL CLINIC IN ESTEVAN (OCTOBER 6, SATURDAY)

It was a great day in Estevan! I don’t how much I will repeat this but being on the road with my wife for basketball trips are the amazing moments in my life. Last Saturday, weather was beautiful, roads were clean and empty.

I wanted to organize this basketball clinic in Estevan for a long time. I am happy that I got this opportunity last Saturday. I want to thank Jessica, Estevan Comprehensive School physical education teachers and Stacey that provided me this opportunity to work with Estevan boys and girls basketball players. I will definitely get back to Estevan with more basketball clinics soon!

Best in the West – Coaches Conference

(October 12/14, 2018)

I will be presenting at the “Best in the West” Coaches Conference which will be held at Luther College High School in Regina, Saskatchewan.

In this conference, I will focus on the details of Pick/Roll game. The Pick & Roll action is probably the most used action in the basketball world at any age category.

I will do my very best to cover all the details about this very large subject. During my session, I will be talking about both offensive details and defensive details.

People who know me well know that I like to go into details when I teach something on the court and like to break things down into small pieces first in order to get the best out of my athletes. I also like to teach the necessary skill work and fundamentals to all of my athletes before I put them into some complex situations and scenarios on the court – especially Pick/Roll games.

Throughout my presentation, my focus will be “must teach” technical and tactical defensive and offensive fundamentals related to the Pick/Roll game as well as all of the necessary breakdown drills for your teams and players.

I would strongly suggest everyone of you to come to this conference and join our basketball community in Saskatchewan. We can only grow and get better if we share what we know.

Subjects that I am going to cover in my presentation:

1) Individual Skill Element (Both Offensively and Defensively)

A) Offensive Skills: Creating Proper Angles, setting defender up, ball handling, body positioning, footwork and balance

B) Defensive skills: Up/down, shuffle and sliding techniques as well as the way we should be using our hands and footwork in order not to get hit by the screener.

2) Pick and Roll Offensive Techniques (2v0, 3v0)

I will go through all the necessary fundamentals regarding what needs to be done prior to the screen, at the point of the screen and on separation for both defender and offensive player.

3) Pick and Roll Defensive Techniques (2v2 and 3on3)

I will present various strategies and demonstrate how to defend all the popular Pick/Roll scenarios such as side, middle, elbow, up (blind), hand-offs, etc…

4) Pick and Roll Drills for Every Team

Various different 3v3 and 4v4 drills to help players understand what they need to do against any defensive concepts vs Pick and Roll situations.

BEST IN THE WEST COACHING CONFERENCE DETAILS

When: October 12th – 14th

How to Register: Visit gameplanbasketball.ca

(Note: Must have a Gameplan account to register, if you don’t, you can create one for free)

*If you are a member of Coaches Association of Saskatchewan, you have the potential to get reimbursed following the clinic. Coaches have to pay their fee upfront, then complete the form at http://www.saskcoach.ca/developmentGrant.php

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION (WITH U15 COUGARS TEAM, JUNE 5, 2018)

 

“Cougs in School” Project 

I conducted after school programs at Sacred Heart Community School, Albert Community School and Kitchener Community School throughout the 2017 – 18 season. I am already looking forward to working with the same schools.

** I am very happy to announce that due to high demand to our after school basketball development program from our community schools, we will be adding couple more community schools to our programs. I am already excited to meet with our new schools!

SACRED HEART COMMUNITY SCHOOL (12 WEEKS TRAINING PROGRAM)

ALBERT COMMUNITY SCHOOL (12 WEEKS TRAINING PROGRAM)

KITCHENER COMMUNITY SCHOOL (12 WEEKS TRAINING PROGRAM)

 

Jr. Academy Youth Development and Sr. Academy Youth Development Programs

2017 FALL  JR. ACADEMY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

 

Saskatchewan Free Basketball Skills Clinics (Player/Coach Development Clinics)

• MOOSE JAW  (JUNE 3, 2018)

I recently conducted a free basketball clinic at Albert E. Peacock Collegiate in Moose Jaw.  I would definitely say that Moose Jaw is a basketball town for sure!  35+ kids showed up for this clinic on early Sunday morning.

I want to thank Macaela Crone, Kelsie Crone and Megan Crone for helping me out throughout the clinic. I also want to send my special thanks to Mr. Dustin Swanson who helped me to organized this clinic. I loved my experience there and I will definitely go back again very soon!

• MELVILLE & YORKTON (JUNE 17, 2018)

It was a great weekend in Melville and Yorkton. I want to thank Dan and Jessica for helped me organize these free basketball clinics. It was great meeting with all the local talents and coaches in both towns. I am very happy that I got to meet with all of them and had an opportunity to work with them on the court. I will definitely go back and reconnect with all the players and coaches soon.

 

RCBA (Regina Community Basketball Association) Player Development Clinics 

Throughout 2016 – 17 Fall, Winter and Spring semesters, I conducted several skilled development sessions for RCBA (Regina Community Basketball Association)

2017 RCBA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CLINICS 

 

Youth Development Teams: U15 Jr. Cougars and U17 Jr. Cougars 

2017 U17 PEBL TEAM

2017 U15 PEBL TEAM

2018 U15 PEBL TEAM 

 

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (CHINA, 2017) 

SCHOOL VISIT IN GUIZHOU, CHINA

ANOTHER SCHOOL VISIT IN XIANTAO, CHINA (GAME VS. SR. HIGH SCHOOL TEAM)

VISITING SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL IN HUNAN, CHINA