TORONTO, ON (May 19, 2017)- The Canadian basketball community and sports industry came together yesterday at Twitter Canada Headquarters for an exclusive conversation about storytelling, hosting, alignment and social change in Canadian sport.

Twitter Canada is a destination for the biggest names and best talent in the country and the Summit was no exception.

The day started off with an address from Canada Basketball President and CEO Michele O'Keefe, highlighting the organization's progress and plans for the future.

"The Canadian basketball community has incredible passion and knowledge that needs to be shared," said Michele O'Keefe, President and CEO of Canada Basketball. "We bring a variety of instruments, skills and tools and we need to learn how to play together like an orchestra."

The Summit's aim was to create a platform for positive discourse through relevant and dynamic case studies and panels. Panellists included Doug Smith (Toronto Star), Nadia Flaim (CBC), Jason deVos (Soccer Canada), Dean McIntosh (Hockey Canada), Michael Linklater (Boys with Braids), Tony McIntyre (Athlete Institure), Jana Madill (TTG), Troy Justice (NBA) and Leisa Washington (CAMDA).

Four sessions took place focusing on storytelling and building a Canadian brand, hosting successful events, benefits of national alignment, the growth and challenges in domestic development and how sports can influence social change.

"The game has never been more popular."
-Jonathan Chang, NBA Canada

"It's all about the shared experience. We have to go beyond the sport."
-Jana Madill, TTG/Torque

"Sport provides the ability to inspire and motivate a community while also building our next generation of leaders."
-Roy Rana, Right To Play

A lunch Q&A with NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO, Mark Tatum, highlighted the impact Canadian players have in the game.

"We are seeing a pipeline of incredible talent," said Mark Tatum. "Canada brings in the most amount of players to the NBA following the United States and the success of players like Andrew Wiggins, Jamal Murray and Kelly Olynyk inspire the next generation."

Tatum also focused on the growth of the game and how the NBA can continue to foster a community of Canadian players and fans. "The most passionate fans of the NBA became fans at a young age, so getting more kids to play increases the chances of them becoming players and lifelong fans."

The event was supported by Twitter Canada, Bell and Robbins Flooring.

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For more information, contact:
Bailey Williams, bwilliams@basketball.ca, 647.460.7976

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