‍TORONTO, Ont. (June 28, 2022) – Canada Basketball, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart), Sun Life and the City of Toronto are teaming up this summer at the inaugural GLOBL JAM to grow the game of basketball in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

To tip-off the week-long GLOBL JAM festivities, the three organizations will be joining forces to host GLOBL JAM JUMPSTART LEGACY DAY at Regent Park Athletic Grounds on July 4. The event will invite fifty youth from the local community aged 9-12 to participate in a series of basketball-related activities led by coaches from Lay-Up, a community-based cost-free basketball program, and also feature athletes and coaches from Canada and all international teams participating in GLOBL JAM FIVES. 

“Providing opportunities for children in financial need to access quality sport will always be part of Jumpstart’s mandate,” said Scott Fraser, President of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “With the explosive growth of basketball and the unique opportunity to collaborate with Canada Basketball, we are proud to support GLOBL JAM LEGACY DAY.” 

The organizations will also unveil upcoming plans for community initiatives at the event, as well partnership commitments and basketball infrastructure improvements. In addition, Canada Basketball, Jumpstart, along with Sun Life, will be announcing six $10,000 grants to local and regional organizations who are committed to making an impact through basketball.

“Leaving a legacy in the local community, while inspiring the next generation of Canadian leaders through basketball is a great way for Canada Basketball to celebrate the inaugural GLOBL JAM,” said Michael Bartlett, President/CEO of Canada Basketball. “By partnering with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, and Sun Life, we’re committed to doing all we can to remove barriers which hold youth back from participating in basketball.”

As documented in the Jumpstart 2022 State of Sport Report, youth participation and access to sport and recreation has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Half of parents (49%) surveyed said the number of organized sports their child participates in has declined, noting significant concerns about their kids’ deteriorating mental health as a result.

“Thank you to Canada Basketball and Canadian Tire Jumpstart for partnering with the City on GLOBL JAM LEGACY DAY which will help us grow the game of basketball in Toronto,” said Mayor John Tory. “Over the past years, with the help of our beloved Toronto Raptors, we have seen an increased interest in the sport of basketball and I am looking forward to seeing that growth continue. This event is a great way to give back to the local community and will tip-off what will undoubtedly be an outstanding week of basketball here in Toronto.” 

In addition to the Regent Park programming, athletes from the participating countries at GLOBL JAM will host meet-and-greets of their own at the following locations around the GTA:

John Innes Community Centre (150 Sherbourne St.)

Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne St.)

Jimmie Simpson Community Centre (870 Queen St. E)

St. Margaret's - Beatrice Campus (50 Ameer Ave.)

Roselands Junior Public School (990 Jane St.)

Oscar Romero (99 Humber Blvd.)

Each community group will also be provided with an equipment donation, while all participants will leave with a basketball to take home.

Earlier this year, Canada Basketball announced a $10,000 donation to Lay-Up to redesign their Youth Coach Development Program. With a focus on women and racialized youth between the ages of 15-29, the program will provide ten participants from Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas with training and certification, expanded skill development opportunities, practical work experience, and access to mentorship and professional networks to establish a strong foundation for their success as coaches and officials. 

Set to take place in Toronto from July 5-10, GLOBL JAM will shine the international spotlight on the game’s rising stars and feature women’s and men’s teams from around the world competing in an Under-23 tournament live at Mattamy Athletic Centre, broadcast nationally on Sportsnet.

Session passes (2 games) are on sale now via Ticketmaster, starting at $42. Additional ticket information, along with schedule and volunteer opportunities can be found at globljam.ca.

About Canada Basketball:

Canada Basketball is the National Sporting Organization for the sport of Basketball in Canada. Canada Basketball is respected worldwide and is recognized by the International Amateur Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Government of Canada as the sole governing body of the sport of amateur basketball in Canada. Canada Basketball, a not-for-profit organization, represents all basketball interests, provides leadership, coordination and direction in all areas of the sport of basketball.

About Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a national charity committed to ensuring kids in need have equal access to sport and recreation. With an extensive, national network of more than 1,000 grantees and 289 local chapters, Jumpstart helps eligible families cover the costs of registration, transportation, and equipment, and provides funding to selected organizations for recreational infrastructure and programming. Supported by Canadian Tire Corporation, Jumpstart has provided more than 2.7 million opportunities for Canadian kids to get in the game since 2005. For more information, visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca. 

Follow Jumpstart on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to learn how the Charity is giving kids across Canada a sporting chance.

Sun Life in the Community 

Sun Life is committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life. Community wellness is an important part of its sustainability commitment. By actively supporting the communities in which Sun Life lives and works, the organization can help build a positive environment for Clients, employees, advisors, and shareholders. Its philanthropic support focuses on health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, and care initiatives. Mental health is also a key priority, with support for programs and organizations with an emphasis on building resilience and coping skills. Sun Life also partners with sports properties in key markets to further its commitment to healthy and active living.