A new charitable initiative has been launched by the Winnipeg Sea Bears to improve access for youth basketball.
On Thursday, the team announced the launch of the Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation.
It is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Manitoban youth by removing barriers to sport and investing in public basketball spaces across the province. The Foundation fits in line with the work the team is already doing to make the community better and create more opportunities for young people.
“Basketball has the power to bring people together, build confidence, and create opportunity,” said Rhéanne Marcoux, President of the Winnipeg Sea Bears in a news release. “This launch is about making sure more Manitoban youth can experience those benefits, both on and off the court, while adding beauty to our province.”
Along with Buckets & Borders, worn-down basketball courts are going to be turned into spaces for young people to play the sport.
“Buckets & Borders has proudly worked alongside the Winnipeg Sea Bears for years, united by a shared commitment to grow the game and bring people together across Manitoba,” said Justin Lee, CEO & Co-Founder of Buckets & Borders in a news release. “The formation of The Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation is a testament to the Sea Bears’ commitment to leading the way in community impact within professional sports in Canada. We’re grateful to continue this partnership with an organization that matches our dedication to the game and the people who play it.”
Courts that will be refurbished this year include public courts in Killarney and at Gordon Bell High School. Killarney is expected to be done in the summer of 2026, while Gordon Bell is expected to be completed in early fall. “The Gordon Bell project is made possible in part by the generous support of TelPay, whose funding is helping bring the court back to life for the surrounding community,” the news release said.
Supported by a $300,000 seed gift from David Asper, Chair of the Sea Bears and co-owner of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, the Foundation is being launched with momentum. The gift will help fund the first wave of court projects.
“A basketball court is one of the most democratic places in any community. It doesn’t ask where you come from or what your family earns – it just asks you to show up and play,” said David Asper in a news release. “That open door changes lives, and I’ve seen it happen. I’m proud to help launch this Foundation because every young Manitoban deserves that chance, and I hope many others will join us to help build it.”
Executive Director of the Foundation, Katie Dicks, is a community-minded leader with more than a decade of experience in community relations, partnership development, event leadership, and program delivery. Her experience includes community campaigns, charitable giving and sponsorships, and youth and outreach programs, from school visits and reading programs to bullying prevention and family events.
“From our earliest days as a team, we’ve seen how sport can change a young person’s life,” said Katie Dicks in a news release. “This Foundation allows us to deepen that impact, making long-term investments in courts, in kids, and in the communities that support us.”