The ‘Bigger Than Basketball’ fundraiser is returning to Langley Events Centre on Thursday and Friday, May 9 and 10, for its 2024 edition of the charity basketball game.
The event, founded by Abbotsford resident Bradley Braich, began in 2018 to raise funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association-BC Division (CHMA-BC).
A total of $14,530 have now been raised for CMHA-BC, with last year raising a record $5,130 alone.
“Bigger Than Basketball is more than a game; it’s our commitment to transforming the athletic environment into a supportive community where no athlete in British Columbia feels alone or helpless against mental health challenges,” Braich said.
The idea for the game came from Braich himself, who scored many points on the court for the Lions basketball teams, but also struggled with many of the pressures and expectations associated with the game and being an athlete.
Past editions of the event have featured some of the top boys and girls high school basketball players from across B.C. A three-point contest featuring local sharpshooters has also been a prominent part of the event.
The first two events were held at Abbotsford’s Robert Bateman Secondary School, but both the 2022 and 2023 games were played at the Langley Events Centre.
This year features an all-star game for the graduating classes of 2024 and a three-point competition on Thursday, running from 4:30 to 7:45 p.m.
On Friday, university alumni and current students from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario will compete in women’s games at 4:30 and men’s games at 8 p.m.
“By raising funds and awareness, we aim to dismantle the stigma and enhance support for athletes during their most difficult times,” Braich said.
Tickets can be purchased online at showpass.com starting at $8, and/or donations can be made at canadahelps.org.
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