Newly renovated basketball courts unveiled in West Lions Park in honour of Our London Family
Two newly upgraded basketball courts in central London, Ont. were unveiled to the public Saturday morning in honour of the Afzaal family.
According to a press release from the City of London, the city, alongside representatives from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), the MLSE Foundational and the Toronto Raptors, two newly upgraded basketball courts in West Lions Park were unveiled on Saturday in commemoration of the Afzaal family.
“The project will provide lasting change and access to sport for London’s youth, and it demonstrates the power that sport has to bring people together,” said Mayor Ed Holder in a statement.
The project was made possible by the MLSE and MLSE Foundation, with assistance from London’s Muslim community.
Two newly upgraded basketballs courts in West Lions Park in London, Ont. were unveiled to the public on the morning of September 24, 2022 in honour of the Afzaal family. (Marek Sutherland/CTV News London)
In 2021, “in support of Our London Family and to stand up against hate,” the MLSE and City of London announced a $250,000 donation to improve a local basketball court. In consultation with the local Muslim community, the outdoor basketball courts in West Lions Park were selected by the city to receive improvements in part due to their proximity to the London Muslim Mosque, the release added.
The new upgrades include an expansion to include two full-sized courts, and improvements to the basketball nets and nearby seating. In addition, trees and community barbeques have also been added to the area.
Construction for the new upgrades took place over the summer.
“We are excited to celebrate the project’s completion together and for the community to now be back on the courts and be able to play,” Holder added.
Several youth representatives from the London Muslim community participated in the redesign, and shared ideas and suggestions with the city to improve the space.
“One of the most noticeable improvements inspired by their input is the courts’ playing surface,” the release said. “Both courts have been coloured bright purple and green to reflect the colours of Our London Family.”
The community celebrates the reopening of the upgraded basketball courts in West Lions Park in London, Ont. on September 24, 2022. (Source: City of London)
Tanya Mruck, vice president, community engagement & social impact with MLSE said following the Raptors’ and Maple Leafs Alumni’s visit to London last year, they were inspired to work with the city to “provide lasting impact for a resilient community.”
Following Saturday’s reopening of the basketball courts, a youth basketball clinic led by sport clinicians of the Toronto Raptors organization will take place and provide youth with the opportunity to earn from experts, practice skills and be the first to play on the new courts.
“Not only will this project help improve access to sport for local youth, it also offers an opportunity to support the Muslim and greater London communities in a space that highlights culture, community and togetherness,” Mruck added.
Four members of the Afzaal family were killed in what police describe as a hate-motivated attack after the family was run down by a truck during an evening walk in June 2021.
A young boy was the lone survivor of the attack.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.