Report prepared by Kevin Mann, Interim Director, Finance

The OBA operating year for fiscal 2022, was another year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic provided several interruptions and slowdowns to operations of which the most prominent was the closing of activities across the province of Ontario in January – March 2022.  During this fiscal year, the OBA experienced significant staff turnover which included both voluntary and involuntary terminations at the senior staff level that resulted in increased legal and consultant costs that were not budgeted for.  With a full complement of staff numbering less than 20 individuals, even the turnover of one permanent staff member represents, on a percentage basis, a significant disruption to the OBA business.

Revenue for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2022, was $4.3 million compared to $1.0 million in the prior year representing an increase of $3.3-million or 320%. This increase was due to the resumption of our core programs including leagues, tournaments, and clinics. The OBA did receive COVID-19 subsidies to support us during the year totaling $167 thousand compared to $325 thousand in the prior year.

Expenditures for the year of $4.5 million exceeded those of the prior year by $3.4 million representing an increase of 320%. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to costs associated with a return of the business to more normal levels.  Operations were shut down for the entire month of January, during which time no staff were laid off.   Salaries and wages subsequently increased to $943 thousand from $618 thousand in the prior year constituting an increase in actual expense of 52.8 percent.

Coming out of the January COVID related lockdown, many school boards did not start allowing community rentals of gym space until May 2022.  As a result, both private and municipal gym space had to be secured for OBL operations to resume in March.  In a normal year, OBL gym rentals are typically split 60% school gyms and 40% municipal / private gyms.  In 2022, this split was 80% private / municipal gyms and 20% school gyms which caused a significant negative impact to the facility rental budget.

The facility rental challenges caused by the January COVID related lockdown also negatively impacted the ability to deliver in person NCCP Coaching Clinics to the membership which resulted in slightly lower registration numbers relative to budget.

Overall, results for the year included a loss of $179.4 thousand compared to a $113-thousand loss in the prior year. During the year total cash balances declined $144.4 thousand.  Reserves, at year end, were $1.2 million, representing a decrease of $179.4 thousand during the year.

The Ontario Basketball Association continues to have as a priority, the management of our operations with fiscal prudence while striving to deliver the best programming possible to our members.

Finally, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to our staff for their patience and dedication to Basketball Ontario during what has been a very difficult year.

View 2021-22 Audited Financial Statements

Report prepared by Mike Barbin, Director of Clubs & Competitions

OBA Championships

Participation numbers at the 2022 OBA Championships was a total of 633 boys’ teams and 338 girls’ teams competing in Ontario Basketball’s culminating year-end event.

With just under 1000 teams for the Championship, the strong participation numbers coming out of the pandemic demonstrates the demand and interest for OBA Championships continues to be strong. The Championships continue to be the height of competition for amateur basketball in the province. The high level of competition is a direct result of the commitment and dedication of member clubs, coaches, athletes, parents, and staff to continue to grow the game of basketball in Ontario.

Ontario Basketball would like to thank the 2022 OBA Championships hosts for their continued dedication and commitment in growing the game of basketball in Ontario. Especially given the continued Covid-19 hosting challenges, we cannot thank our hosts enough for their efforts in running the Championship weekends, but more keeping everyone safe.

Ontario Basketball thanks the following OBA Championship hosts:

• Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre
• Pelham Panthers
• Tournkey
• Kingston Impact
• Tourism Kingston
• Eastern Ontario Basketball Association (EOBA)
• Ottawa Tourism
• MUMBA
• Brampton Warriors
• Durham Tourism
• DK Dragons
• Oakville Vytis
• Steel City Slam

Additionally, volunteers continue to be the lifeblood of each tournament. Ontario Basketball cannot thank them enough as OBA Championships would not be possible without them. The passion and energy that they bring has allowed athletes, coaches, parents, and OBA staff to have a positive and exciting Championship experience.

Info: basketball.on.ca/competitions/championships/about/

Ontario Basketball League

The Ontario Basketball League continues expand and provide an inclusive, province-wide league structure that allows all participating teams to receive meaningful competition for both genders and all age categories. The Ontario Basketball league has quickly become the largest basketball league in the country and continues to flourish.

559 boys’ teams and 300 girls participated in the Ontario Basketball League this year. With more than 850 teams participating in this year OBL, we are very pleased with its continued demand coming back from after a year off due to Covid-19. We want to thank all teams, coaches, players, and parents for your patience given the restriction and cancellations of some weekends due to Covid-19. As well, games would not have happened without the efforts of our OBL hosts who helped us safely get basketball games played again.

We piloted the Ontario Basketball Super League this year with the partnership with Canadian Youth Basketball League and Hoop City Basketball League. Taking the best teams from each league and having the best-of-the-best in bracket tournament format. It showcased the best teams, but also showcased a working relationship with leagues to bring the basketball community together.

As we look forward to next year, we plan to have a normalized OBL season without Covid-19 restrictions and to bring back the OBL All-Star Game.

Info: basketball.on.ca/competitions/obl/about/

OBA 3×3 Summer Series

Ontario Basketball starting in July ran two qualification 3×3 weekends in Pelham and Orangeville for ages U10, U12, U14, U16 boys and girls. In total there were 40 teams that participated, and winners of that qualification was able to qualify for the CNE x OBA weekend in August.

Info: basketball.on.ca/oba-summer-3×3-returning-2022/

Report prepared by Greg Francis, Director, Sport Development

Overview

The 2021-2022 Ontario Basketball season saw the resumption of in-person clinics for the National Coaching Certification Programs as well as in-person evaluations. During this time Ontario Basketball supported Canada Basketball in the development of a new Learn to Train curriculum that hopes to be launched in Fall 2022 (pending Coaches Association of Canada approval).

The OBA Coaching Department continues to build a database to provide each club across the province with a breakdown of the coaches that were currently in our system and where they were at in their certification process. This will be a practice that we will continue as it has been extremely beneficial in assisting clubs in getting their coaches certified at the correct level for the age and stage of competition they coach, as well as keeping open communication with clubs as to where their coaches are along the pathway.

Quest for Gold Coach Bursary

Quest for Gold (Q4G) provides education-based subsidies for competitive to high performance coaches, including those at the club, high school, and post-secondary level. Q4G is also instrumental in delivering financial assistance to Provincial Sport Organizations for coach training related costs. The program aims to ensure that Ontario’s developmental and high-performance athletes receive the best coaching possible by providing a series of enhancement programs and resources for coaches and PSOs. The Q4G Coach Bursary, which is offered through the Coaches Association of Ontario, has been a major support to the training and certification of coaches in Ontario.

With the inability to run courses and complete evaluations Quest for Gold supported coaches who did take the opportunity to do training in the multi-sport space. We will continue to use this resource as we return to the delivery of NCCP certifications.

Community Development / Mega Hoops

Ontario Basketball’s community portfolio adapted and continued to offer the Mega Hoops program for interested coaches across the province. Although we were not able to activate our partnership in schools, the program developed an Active Start curriculum to add to the already built FUNdamentals.

The OBA Development team-built packages for programs that included a t-shirt and a basketball for every participant along with curriculum and outdoor chalk to support coaches in the execution of the program. The team will continue to offer the program to interested parties and activate partnerships within the school program when available.

Ontario Summer Development Program

The Ontario Summer Development Program (OSDP) resumed in the summer 2022 after not running in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ontario Summer Development Program (OSDP) is for U12 and U14 athletes who strive to grow their personal, social, and athletic skills through involvement in programming that emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and learning. OSDP is the latest iteration of Ontario Basketball’s Talent Identification and Development Program (TIDP).

As the landscape of basketball in Ontario changes, so too does our programming, and the rebranding of TIDP to OSDP reflects this new landscape, while also remaining true to the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Model. The rebrand is less about programming or structural changes, and more about effectively communicating the nature of the programming that we offer. OSDP is an opportunity to develop the WHOLE person (with camp as a true growth opportunity); talent is not the only outcome or objective.

OSDP provides athletes with a well-rounded basketball experience allowing them to work on their game in the off-season. Training sessions combine the fundamental movement skills of coordination, balance, and agility with age-appropriate basketball skills in a fun and inclusive environment. Sport is a training ground for life, and through OSDP, athletes have the opportunity to develop physically, socially, and emotionally by working with new coaches and teammates, learning new skills, and attending overnight camp.

U14 Boys & Girls teams from all over the province were able to compete in the 2022 Ontario Summer Games which would be their first multi-sport games experience.

Ontario Summer Games

The Ontario Summer Games brought together top provincial talent from multiple sports, including basketball. For many young athletes, the Ontario Summer Games is the high point of their sporting career, while for others the Games are a steppingstone for national and international competitions.

Ontario Summer Games athletes for basketball are U14 Boys and Girls from Ontario Basketball’s Ontario Summer Development Program (OSDP).

Mississauga 2022 Ontario Summer Games

3×3 Quest Qualifier / GLOBL JAM

From June 18–19, Ontario Basketball hosted a 3×3 Qualifying Tournament for male and female players ages 18 and older at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre (TPASC). The Champions of the men’s and women’s tournaments represented Ontario in the 3×3 Canada Quest event during GLOBL JAM, beginning July 7th, with a chance to win $15,000.

Tournament guidelines were as follows:

• All players must be 18 years of age or older.
• Maximum four players per team.
• 3 out of 4 players on the team must be Canadian.

About GLOBL Jam & 3×3

In March, Canada Basketball and Sportsnet announced the launch of GLOBL JAM, a first-of-its-kind international basketball showcase in Canada. Set to take place in Toronto from July 5-10, GLOBL JAM will shine the international spotlight on the game’s rising stars and feature women’s and men’s teams from around the world competing in an Under-23 tournament live at Mattamy Athletic Centre and broadcast nationally on Sportsnet.

Uniting fans on and off the court, GLOBL JAM will also feature festivities at Yonge-Dundas Square that celebrate the intersection of sport, art, and culture, as well as play host to the Canada Basketball 3×3 National Championships.

Report prepared by Carmelo Mallia, Manager, High Performance

Capital Court Academy and Fort Erie International Academy were crowned 2022 champions.

Photographed by Reuben Polansky-Shapiro (@polansky.photo).

The 2022 OSBA Final 8 High School Championships were held March 3-6, 2022, hosted by Durham College and Ontario Tech University. Capital Courts Academy and Fort Erie International Academy were crowned 2022 champions.

Ontario Basketball and the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association would like to thank all players, coaches, athletic therapists, event volunteers, venue staff, and fans who made the event great. The OSBA also wishes the best of luck in the future to all OSBA athletes graduating in 2022.

Women’s Final Recap

Capital Courts Academy were crowned champions following an emphatic 65-61 win over King’s Christian Collegiate in the final.  Cassandre Prosper (2023) led CCA with 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 assists, earning the Finals MVP title. Mackendra Konig (2022) and Jasmine Bascoe (2024) both put up 19 points for King’s.

Capital Courts – Path to the Championship: 

Regular season: 6th in Tier I (5-9).

Final 8: QF: 74 – 70 vs. Crestwood Prep, SF: 74 – 65 vs. Lincoln Prep, F: 65 – 61 vs. King’s Christian.

Top scorers: 1. Cassandre Prosper (57 pts), 2. Catrina Garvey (46 pts), 3. Lydia Melaschenko (40 pts), 4. Jessica Wangolo (30 pts).

Men’s Final Recap

Fort Erie International Academy are the men’s champions for 2022 after taking down United Scholastic Academy, 81-71 in the Championship game. Leonard Miller led the way for Fort Erie with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists. Jayden Clayton was named Finals MVP for Fort Erie, with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals in the final. Efeosa Oliogu (2025) led USA with 21 points.

Fort Erie – Path to the Championship: 

Regular season: 1st in Pool A (14-2).

Final 8: QF: 73 – 63 vs. J. Addison, SF: 89 – 79 vs. Royal Crown, F: 81-71 vs. United Scholastic Academy.

Top scorers: 1. Leonard Miller (79 pts), 2. Jaden Clayton (45 pts), 3. Ishan Sharma (44 pts), 4. Isaac Jack (36 pts).

Award Winners

Women’s League Award Winners

Men’s League Award Winners

A full list of Academic Award winners (80%+ academic grade average) can be found below:

Women’s Academic Awards

Caledon Basketball Academy: Kaitlyn Martin, Brittyn Graves, Chloe Collin, Samantha Zoffranieri, Kate White, Carina Fiore, Joleen Subido, Abby Thivierge, Natalia Marchand.

Capital Courts: Bailey Russell, Cassandre Prosper, Ella Take, Emma Gabriel, Lydia Melaschenko, Maria Murray, Megan Hollingsworth, Rebecca Milon.

Crestwood Prep (W): Annie Donaldson, Toby Fournier, Keyarah Gregory, Saleah Joseph, Sumer Lee, Ella Okubasu, Ava Porter, Taija Sta Maria, Chantelle Stuart.

Excel Hoops: Carletta Bennett, Katarina Veljovic, Mildred Dibua, Zoe Idahosa, Isabelle Karabetsos, Seyyanne Matthew.

1. Addison (W): Tene McFarquar-Smith, Jaida Thapa, Alarice Gooden, Skylar Forbes, Victory Vincent, Mary-Anna Asare, Iyana Knights.

King’s Christian: Dominique Ennis, Mackendra Konig, Sheyene Neale, Kayley Joseph-Bernard, Abigail Jegede, Lilia Skumatova, Jasmine Bascoe, Lara Cook, Brianna McLeod, Ella Farrelly.

Lincoln Prep (W): Jacqueline Urban, Rheyna Steinauer, Taeya Steinauer, Madeline Boyd, Emily Dikdan, Janessa Flewelling, Alexis McNabb, Allyson Sentance, Kristine Cooper, Tanah Becker, Jenna Chateau.

Lo-Ellen Park: Ally Smith, Syla Swords, Rhys Bazuk, Bree Bourget, Claudia Pellerin-Olutayo, Kali Grootenboer, Charlotte Church, Emily Sanzo, Alex Pino, Taryn Gauthier, Sadie Fear.

Louis Riel: Maya Charles, Gisele Goulet, Ella Aselford, Cameron de la Salle, Aimee Boulay, Anne Gabrielle Ngo Mbock Edjane, Camille Goudreau, Ella Adair, Katrina Renon, Jane McDougall, Aicha Hassan-Omar, Rachael Okokoh.

Markham Prep: Maya Chocano, Haley Barbieri, Shailah Adams, Monique Monplaisir, Taylor Williams, Josie McCamus, Sydney Lake, Paris Alexander, Megan Jasie, Mikayla Williams, Cheyenne Rowe, Cyanne John, Ella Rees.

Niagara Prep: Raynne Malik, Emma Koabel, Vienna Veresci, Fatou Diakite, Sydney Piekny, Serah Williams, Natalie Picton, Gabriella DiPietro.

Redmond: Amrit Manak, Alexis Remekie, Ania Buklarewicz, Dominique Bouchard, Kiara Graham, Kalea Anyanwu, Kaleia Mano, Kayleigh Bierman.

Royal Crown: Maya Anderson, Michaela Tsakiri, Kayla Creighton, Taya Ellis, Mikaela Parris, Emirson Devenie.

Southwest Academy: Lena Stinebrickner, Shantavia Dawkins, Malaika Nyembwe, Courtney Smith, Heidi Smith, Lemyah Hylton, Stella Sgro, Mackenzie Marenchin, Ella Thomas, Jada Bediako, Caidence Amartey, Amy Hagman, Haley Willits, Kiera Spencer, Lily Roberts-Neef, Olivia Bugros.

Men’s Academic Awards

Canamera Prep: Timothy Eze, Davante Hackett, Tyler Brown, Arden Begaj.

Crestwood (M): Elvis Appiah, Mykhailo Bednostin, Kevin Mbassi, Elias Papaconstantinos, Jacob Tucci-Mahon.

Fort Erie: Oliver Faubert, Jayden Webley, Jaden Clayton, Joshua Francis, Ishan Sharma, Diego Ramos, Mateo Graham, Isaac Jack.

Lincoln (M): Brendan Amoyaw, Matei Vucenovic, Jahmarian Forrester, Logan Lapierre Caissie, Cristian Craciun, Dawson Matsell, Steven Angenent, Waqo Tessema, Luphai Dalil, Arbi Agastra.

New Horizon: Stefan Prica, Augustas Brazdeikis, Thomaz Barbosa, Tyson Lama, Dominic Pangonis, Cameron Brennan, Jalen Sikkema, Noah Ramsbottom, Marcus Barnes, Keenan Morain.

Niagara Prep: Noah Jordan, Jacob McLeod, Josh Kpioyo, Anothony Heyes, Ethan Thomas.

Orangeville Prep: Jefferson Monegro, Keyonte Beals, Rory Stewart, Justin Chase, Jeremy Foumena, Aaron Aboonabi, Mustafo Vanjov, Oliver Engen, Khenyan Stirling-Brown, Remi Tissington.

Ridley College: Dolu Johnson, Adam McDonald, Ashton Meace, Daniel Thompson, Eli Djordjevic, Immanuel Oludele, Dylan Kalambay, Eric Pushka, Thomas Hon.

Royal Crown: Michael Evbagharu, Koat Thomas.

Southwest Academy: Andre Rudy, Alex Noel, Marc Carranza, Jack Tunstill.

United Scholastic Academy: Josiah Francis, Stefan Jimenez-Vojnic, Aric Au, Izhan Vasti.

Vanguard North Prep: Vito Albanese, Nathan Carr, Sebastian Di Manno, Jayden Ijack, Zion James, David Popa.

Victory Academy: Jaiden Castada-Mandani, Malakai Ayres-Olson, Pierce Neilas, Ryan Balota, Keelan Steele.

Canada Summer Games

Team Ontario brought home one gold, one bronze from the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games.

The Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games were held in the Niagara Region with the basketball competitions taking place at the Meridian Centre and Niagara College – Welland Campus from August 8 to 13, 2022.

Team Ontario U18 Men was virtually unbeatable throughout the tournament, bringing home Gold in the final with a win against British Columbia. The Team Ontario U18 Women brought home Bronze, after winning against Quebec in the third-place game.

Team Ontario U18 Women’s player Taija Sta Maria (Crestwood Prep, OSBA) was chosen to be the flagbearer for Team Ontario at the Games’ opening ceremony.

Ontario Basketball would like to congratulate all players and coaches for their achievements in this year’s Canada Summer Games, and thank the Niagara 2022 Summer Games team, and Team Ontario staff, for organizing and hosting.  All photos courtesy of Niagara 2022 Games.

U18 Men’s Results

U18 Women’s Results

Team Ontario

Team Ontario brings home three gold, one silver from 2022 Canada Basketball National Championships

Ontario sweeps three out of four Canada Basketball National Championship tournaments.

The Canada Basketball National Championships returned last week after a two-year hiatus. The U15 & U17 Girls’ National Championships were held in Sherbrooke, QC and the U15 & U17 Boys’ National Championships in Edmonton, AB.

Team Ontario brings home three gold (U15 Girls, U17 Girls, and U15 Boys) and one silver (U17 Boys). Three Ontario athletes were also named Tournament MVP: Savannah Swords (U15 Girls), Deniya Prawl (U17 Girls), and Caleb Roberts (U15 Boys).

U15 Girls Results

U15 Girls Tournament MVP: Savannah Swords

U15 Girls First Team All Stars: Savannah Swords, Keyarah Gregory, Cearah Parchment

U15 Girls Second Team All Stars: Mikaela James

U17 Girls Results

U17 Girls Tournament MVP: Deniya Prawl

U17 Girls First Team All Stars: Deniya Prawl, Micaela Carter

U17 Girls Second Team All Stars: Ella Rees, Chantelle Stuart

U15 Boys Results

U15 Boys Tournament MVP: Caleb Roberts

U15 First Team All Stars: Caleb Roberts, Quinten Ethier

U17 Boys Results

U17 Boys First Team All Stars: Hensley Ward Jr.

U17 Boys Second Team All Stars: Darius McGlashen

–

Ontario Basketball would like to congratulate all Team Ontario players and coaches for their achievements in this year’s National Championships, and thank Canada Basketball, Alberta Basketball and Basketball Quebec for organizing & hosting.

NIAGARA 2021 CANADA SUMMER GAMES POSTPONED DUE TO THE ONGOING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Canada Games Council and the 2021 Canada Games Host Society have decided to postpone the 2021 Canada Summer Games until the summer of 2022

September 16, 2020 (Niagara, ON) – The Canada Games Council (CGC) and the 2021 Canada Games Host Society, after consulting with the Niagara Region, the Province of Ontario and the Federal Government, have made the difficult decision to postpone next year’s Niagara 2021 Canada Summer Games. The Games were originally scheduled to take place in August 2021 but, due to continued public health concerns relating to the coronavirus pandemic, they will be rescheduled to the summer of 2022.

Held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games are the country’s marquee event for amateur sport representing the highest level of national competition for thousands of up-and-coming Canadian athletes. More than 5,000 participants and 4,000 volunteers are expected to take part in Canada’s largest multi-sport event in the Niagara Region.

Given the uncertainty created by the ongoing pandemic, the decision to postpone the Games was made, first and foremost, to ensure the health and safety of all the athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers and spectators expected to attend this event. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic would likely prevent us from delivering a phenomenal Games experience, both in terms of sport competitions and cultural events. By postponing the Niagara Canada Games, we will be able to better protect the health and safety of Games participants, the Niagara community and visitors from across the country, while delivering an extraordinary Games experience.

No decision has been made yet on the new dates for the Canada Summer Games in Niagara, but both the CGC and the Niagara Host Society are aiming for the rescheduled Games to take place during the summer of 2022. Both organizations will continue to monitor developments relating to the pandemic and to safeguard the health of all participants, staff and volunteers. We will continue to provide updates to all our stakeholders on the postponed Games, as they become available.

Despite the ongoing challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to host the following five (5) virtual sessions for our women’s provincial team program:

March 14, 2021

• 2022 Canada Summer Games Information session / Return to Sport presented by Meghan Buttle from CSIO for 2004/2005 student-athletes & parents/guardians
• 75 Student-Athletes & Parents

• Information session for 2006/2007 student-athletes & parents/guardians
• 62 Student-Athletes

March 22, 2021

• Gold Medal Model:  Know Yourself / Know Your Teammates / Physical Pillar presented by Christine Camozzi from CSIO
• 30 Student-Athletes

April 11, 2021

• Gold Medal Model:  Exploring the Individual Performance Plan (IPP)
• 35 Student-Athletes

April 26, 2021

• Gold Medal Model:  Social/Emotional Pillar Review, Mental Pillar with Mike Mackay & Shooting Individual Performance Plan (IPP)
• 20 Student-Athletes

May 16, 2021

• Gold Medal Model:  Goal Setting & Individual Performance Plan (IPP) + Aaliyah Edwards & Kellie Ring guest speaking
• 25 Student-Athletes

Quest for Gold – Ontario Athlete Assistance Program 2021-2022 (OAAP) is funded by the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries (MHSTCI), and operated through the Sport, Recreation & Community Programs Division.  The overarching goal of the Quest for Gold – OAAP is directly related to the High-Performance Sport goal of the Canadian Sport Policy – that Canadians are systematically achieving world-class results at the highest levels of international competition – by improving the performance and number of Ontario athletes performing at the national and international level, thereby contributing to the improved performance of Canada at international competitions.

The Quest for Gold (QFG) program provides direct financial assistance to Ontario athletes so they can compete at the highest national and international levels.

Many Team Canada athletes from Ontario have benefitted from the program, including:

• 2022 Winter Olympics:Ontario athletes comprised 28% of Team Canada, 84% of whom benefitted from QFG funding during their career
• 2022 Winter Paralympics:Ontario athletes comprised 45% of Team Canada, 95% of whom benefitted from QFG during their career

In 2022, Provincial Sport Organizations are receiving Ontario Card funding directly to support high-performance athletes through either:

• direct support to individual athletes
• high-performance programming operated by the PSO that meets the objectives of the Quest for Gold program

Individual athletes who receive direct support are selected by their PSO using sport-specific selection criteria developed by the PSO. Specific selection criteria can be obtained from each PSO.

The Quest for Gold program has invested more than $145 million in athletes since 2006.

The funding:

• encourages athletes to live and train in Ontario
• compensates athletes for earnings lost while training
• helps athletes successfully pursue excellence in sport while fulfilling their educational goals
• increases athlete access to high-performance coaching
• enhances training and competitive opportunities available to athletes

Unfortunately, despite the ongoing challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to host any regional tryouts or training sessions this year.

Ontario Men’s & Women’s Basketball Selected to OHPSI for 2021-2023

Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO) announced on Thursday that men’s and women’s basketball have been chosen for the Ontario High Performance Sport Initiative program for 2021-2023.

According to the release, “through the OHPSI program, CSIO provides leadership, coaching support, sport science and sport medicine services, equipment and technology, competition and training camp enhancements, and facility access to create optimal daily training environments (DTE) for Ontario athletes and coaches.”

“The program also aims for CSIO to build stronger relationships with Provincial and National Sport Organizations (PSOs and NSOs) while providing support to targeted athletes that are demonstrating they are on the pathway towards future international success. This approach is intimately tied and aligned to Own the Podium’s vision and strategy to optimize a targeted approach to increasing Canada’s potential for future international podium performances.”

OHPSI funding supports select basketball players in Ontario’s Targeted Athlete Strategy (TAS) through the provision of specialized services and individualized training and support. With support from the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO), Ontario Basketball and Canada Basketball work collaboratively to coordinate and implement various talent selection, identification, and high-performance athlete development programs in Ontario with the goal of achieving international sporting excellence.

“Ontario Basketball is thrilled to renew our partnership with the CSIO to receive OHPSI funding.  The program will continue on the women’s side for another cycle, and we are very fortunate to have our men’s program accepted this year,” said Kauri LaFontaine, Ontario Basketball’s Director of Basketball Operations. “We have seen the successes on the women’s side over the past few years and are excited to now have OHPSI and CSIO support on the men’s side as well.”

Ontario Basketball thanks Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, Canada Basketball, and the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries for their support. The organization looks forward to the success of this continued partnership, enhancing the overall athlete experience and seeing our OHPSI athletes on the podium.

Report prepared by Yoram Kerbel, Coordinator, Digital Media

Intro

The Marketing & Communications team experienced a significant disruption in 2021-22 with the departure of the Manager, Marketing & Communications in December 2021.  The Sr. Coordinator, Business and Communications and Coordinator, Digital Media stepped up to keep the department going through this transition period.  The following report focuses on the success and opportunities of the Marketing & Communications department for 2021-22.

Social Media Growth

Over the last season, we have had tremendous growth across all social media channels with the largest growth coming on Instagram (10.4% increase in followers). Overall, across all OBA social media channels, there has been a 17% increase in followers and a 9% increase in interaction. For the first time in the history of the Ontario Summer Development Program we livestreamed the final day, in coordination with the Ontario Summer Games, to bring the final games virtually to family members that could not be in attendance. This gave athletes the opportunity to show off their newly acquired camp skills on a bigger stage. We also covered Team Ontario taking part in both Men’s and Women’s Canada Basketball National Championships, as well as Ontario Men’s and Women’s rosters for the Canada Summer Games. These events alone saw a huge spike in social media interaction bringing in 1,000,000 impressions and 55,000 unique profile visits to our platform over 3 weeks.

Coach Workshops 

The first big project (post Manager, Marketing and Communications) was having high profile Ontario university head coaches give free coaching workshops for the holiday season. In total, we had 5 live streamed events that have reached over 1,500 viewers, introduced by Director, Basketball Development Kauri LaFontaine and carried on by the head coach. Broadcasts were streamed live via a registration link on gameplanbasketball.ca. Questions were asked as the workshop was live and allowed the coach to connect with our community virtually to attain the largest audience possible. Content featured continuous ball screen offense, simple offensive skills and concepts, transition offense, offensive principles, and relationship and trust in basketball.

Find a Club Map

New Clubs are joining OBA every season and our membership (or soon-to-be members) need to know the best club for them to play. The OBA Find a Club Map helps users navigate an extensive database of where to play, so basketball loving kids can find the club that works best for them and their family. Thank you to Emily for the creation and execution of the initiative.

Report prepared by Mathew Singleton, Manager, Partnerships & Business Development

MilkUP by Dairy Farmers of Ontario

Ontario Basketball’s biggest cash sponsor continued to prove their support by working with OBA to explode back from the pandemic with increased support for Provincial Championships and Team O. Total support for the partnership was $160,000 that allowed us to address DFO branding changes and continue to support initiatives like the James Rose & Hazel Miner award, and Nav Bhatia Award. The DFO was flexible in our partnership needs which allowed us to support the increase in Team O teams while maintaining program integrity.

Spalding

In a show of support, our official basketball sponsor Spalding shipped our basketball requirements for High Performance, Development, and Clubs and Competition despite the challenges and a shortage of basketballs across the world. They have continued to support OBA with VIK and have been open to exploring new ideas for future years to come. This continued support is backboned by a mutually beneficial partnership and thanks to years of a mutually beneficial partnership and an aligned vision of Basketball in Ontario.

Nothers agreement expansion

OBA’s official supplier of medals and awards continued into 2021-22 at full speed. Supporting most notably our OBL and Provincial Championships, we extended to incorporate support around the OSBA and will continue to explore ways to impact other programs under the OBA umbrella.

Cross-Odor

With the Return to Play behind us, the OBA engaged with Cross-Odor to become the Official Traction, Deodorizing, and Sanitizing Partner for the Provincial Championships. The 2-in-1 solution has a court grip on one end and sanitizer on the other allowing all OBA players to enjoy the game safely and odor free. Cross-Odor was activated through graphics, e-blasts, and social media promotion.

Wingstop Canada

As a new Partner to the OBA, we welcomed Wingstop as the Official Partner of the OBA 3×3 tournament. WingStop was a premiere partner by providing a safe outdoor playing surface during our marquee 3×3 event at the CNE and accommodating meals for participating members. With their connections, we were greeted with a surprise appearance by Malachi Flynn of the Toronto Raptors which made the experience a memorable one for years to come.

Canadian National Exhibition

The Canadian National Exhibition and Ontario Basketball continued their long-term partnership to host the 3×3 Championship Tournament. The CNE provided a space for our members to play on the grounds during the CNE as well as all the necessities to put the tournament together. To top it off the CNE provided free passes for our membership to enjoy the iconic event upon the conclusion of the tournament.

Olympia

The OBA continued our partnership in basketball with Olympia sports camp to help accelerate the return to basketball. Through our partnership, we were able to provide 12 of our member’s one-week camperships to their overnight summer sports camps. We were able to support their summer registrations through various activations both physically and digitally. OBA provided an LTDP to be utilized by Olympia during their sports camp. Total partnership value of $22,000.

OnSpot Apparel

The OBA partnership with OnSpot apparel was a huge success for our Provincial Championships in 2021-22. We strategically put a plan together that would allow selling Provincial Championship gear in high-traffic locations to maximize success even during a merchandise shortage. Total partnership value: $60,000.

Sports Travel (TournKey Solutions)

The OBA and Sports Travel renewed their partnership with restrictions on travel in Ontario being lifted. The partnership allowed us to offer premium accommodations for our memberships at affordable prices. This was conducted through an easy-to-use system that reduced the friction of travel for our membership.

2021-22 Ontario Basketball Annual Report [PDF]

2020-21 Ontario Basketball Annual Report [PDF]

2019-20 Ontario Basketball Annual Report [PDF]

2018-19 Ontario Basketball Annual Report [PDF]