The Steel City Slam Basketball Club is set to host the second Ontario Provincial Basketball Championships in Sault Ste. Marie over the May 27th – 29th.
The city was buzzing three weeks ago when the U-15 girls Ontario Provincial Basketball Championships were held in Sault Ste. Marie. 16 teams from across Ontario attended.
This upcoming weekend will have the Sault see something they haven’t seen before in basketball. 50 teams from across Ontario will take part in the U-15 Boys Provincial Championships, including two local Slam Teams. The U-15 boys’ championships are one of the biggest tournaments Ontario basketball hosts each year. And why is the Sault hosting?
Well, Steel City Slam has hosted prior provincial championships before the two year pause due to COVID-19. Behind the scenes members of the Steel City Slam basketball club worked with tourism Sault Ste. Marie to secure both championships. In short, the combination of tourism, members of the Steel City Slam basketball club, the history of the club, and most importantly OUR COMMUNITY sealed the deal.
The club (rebranded in 2013 from the Sault Sharks) is very passionate about the North, and specifically our community. The club coaches and stakeholders instill a bigger vision than just basketball.
Basketball is a platform to teach ‘life lessons through sport’. Bringing championships like this to the community serves multiple purposes:
- In most sports, teams have to travel out of town to participate. This event provides parents, grandparents friends and others the opportunity to see our kids play in our beautiful community
- Out of town teams who otherwise may not visit the Sault, will now be treated to everything we have to offer; from the tremendous restaurants, our hospitality, our first-class facilities, and a community that is passionate about their sports. Many families will return during their own time for family vacations as they are exposed to our gifted region
- With 50 teams and their families attending, our community will be hosting a few thousand visitors which will be a positive boost for local businesses.
“We are ecstatic to be welcoming sports tournaments back to our community. Said Alana Kenopic, Manager of Tourism and Travel, “It’s no surprise that the Ontario Basketball Association is leading the charge as athletes, families and spectators safely re-enter our facilities to compete at the Provincial level. These championships give hundreds of youth athletes the opportunity to play against their peers in Northern Ontario with a significant added benefit to our hoteliers, attractions and restaurants.”
Source: Steel City Slam
