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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.