Schools across the Greater Toronto Area sent their girls’ basketball teams to MLSE Launchpad for a mini-tournament followed by fun drills and drills.
And a special surprise visit from the Toronto Raptors.
Students began clapping and cheering, some rushing to get their phones, as the Raptors ran out of one of the back rooms of the facility, handing out high-fives to the kids as each player’s name was announced. For young players like Julia, meeting and training with NBA players defied description.
“It was so crazy. I’m so excited. I’ve never met a big sports team before,” Julia said, raising her hand. “I’m shaking so much because I’m so nervous. I’m so excited that they’re here.”
Casey, one of Julia’s teammates, also struggled to express what the Raptors’ visit meant to her.
“I’m shaken, I don’t know what to say,” she said. “I’m happy, I’m really happy honestly. You can’t even see it on my face.
“It’s like inside I’m screaming.”
MLSE Launchpad is a 42,000 square foot space located in the Moss Park neighborhood of downtown Toronto. Sponsored by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment — owners of the Raptors, NHL Maple Leafs, CFL Argonauts and MLS Toronto FC — Launchpad uses sport and physical activity to build healthy communities.
The event was designed to celebrate Women’s Empowerment Month ahead of International Women’s Day on Friday.
“It’s a showcase of the things we try to do on a daily basis,” said Bess Lennox, sports programming manager for MLSE Launchpad. “Women and girls are one of our priority demographics for engagement because we know they engage at lower levels and drop out of sport at higher levels, and we also know the importance sport for them.
“I think something like this demonstrates our daily commitment to serving young women and helping them recognize their potential through sport.”
Forward Garrett Temple was one of the Raptors who participated in the day and he said it was “a blessing” to impact young people’s lives.
“Part of the obligation of being a professional athlete is being able to make kids smile, to be a mentor, a role model,” Temple said, watching the teams parade, happily singing a Miley Cyrus song .
“So to come here after a basketball tournament, to see these young ladies playing a game that I love, that makes me a living, to see their faces light up, it’s great to see.
“We need to shine a greater spotlight on women in sport.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 4, 2024.
