'We wanted to come here': Raptors play an open practice in London Ont., Saturday
Dozens of excited Toronto Raptors fans wave back to Raptors player, Pascal Siakam, who greets them with a smile and nod in between dribbles on the court.
Siakam joins Fed VanVleet and the rest of the team in an open practice held at Budweiser Gardens Saturday evening in efforts the bring the community together following the London Terror attack against the Afzaal family in June.
"We’re against all forms of hatred and we definitely stand with the Muslim community that was effected here in London," Raptors Point Guard, Fred VanVleet said in a press conference following practice.
For Rashid Hassan, it was his first time watching the Raptors play and he says he was touched by the gesture.
"I love that there’s a franchise in Canada that’s supporting us, that’s supporting the Muslim community," said Hassan.
Fans cheer on the Toronto Raptors as they practice in London, Ont. on Saturday, October 2, 2021 (Jaden Lee-Lincoln / CTV News)The money raised from ticket sales will go towards refurbishing basketball courts in London, thanks to the generous donation of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE).
And it’s not just the London community that is taking away from Saturday’s event. Coach Nick Nurse says it was the most energetic open practice match he has ever seen, adding he believes the main goal of the event was reached.
"It gives us a chance to use our platform to talk about these issues," said Nurse.
Continuing on with MLSE’s initiative, alumni from the Toronto Maple Leafs will hold a scrimmage Sunday afternoon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Nonsense:' Doug Ford slams lawsuits filed by Ontario school boards against social media platforms
Premier Doug Ford says that lawsuits launched by four Ontario school boards against a trio of social media platforms are “nonsense” and risk becoming a distraction to the work that really matters.
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 mm among weather alerts in effect for 7 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres, air quality advisories and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
Canada Post’s newest stamp features special cookies for Islamic holiday
Canada Post’s newest specialty stamps feature “melt-in-your-mouth” desserts to mark two Islamic festivals, the crown corporation announced Thursday.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.
A dog and a bird formed an unlikely friendship. Their separation has infuriated followers
Peggy is a stout and muscular Staffordshire bull terrier, and Molly is a magpie, an Australian bird best known for swooping on humans during breeding season, not for befriending dogs. But in an emotional video posted online, Peggy’s owners announced that the animals had been separated.
Statistics Canada reports real GDP up 0.6 per cent in January as Quebec strikes end
Canada's real gross domestic product grew 0.6 per cent in January, helped by the end of public sector strikes in Quebec in November and December, Statistics Canada said Thursday.
Ukrainian child asylum seekers in St. John’s get class of their own
Roughly 50 children will gathered in a St. John’s classroom for the first time on Saturday for unique lessons on Ukrainian language, culture and history.