SURREY RCMP and the Surrey School District are hosting the 27th Annual Surrey RCMP Basketball Classic from January 14 to 20.
Surrey RCMP says this tournament is part of its continuing commitment to fostering strong relationships between youth and police and reinforcing positive youth involvement in their communities and schools.
The Surrey RCMP Basketball Classic began in 1992 and has grown to become the second largest basketball tournament in the province and the largest RCMP supported tournament in the country. The tournament is a highlight on every Surrey basketball player’s schedule and it has provided over 100 student athletes with academic scholarships over the years.
“I am very proud of the legacy that has been created over the past 26 years of this tournament,” says Kevin De Boice, Panorama Ridge Secondary Principal and co-chair of the Classic. “We often receive feedback from students, even years later, about the lasting impact this tournament had on them during their formative years. Providing students with access to healthy competition and sport can help them become positively engaged in their school and community, which has short and long-term benefits in their lives.”
With youth often being targeted by criminals to get involved in the drug trade, events like the Basketball Classic have become even more important for the Surrey RCMP to spearhead in recent years.
“The Surrey RCMP Basketball Classic is a great way for us to engage with youth and support them in positive endeavours like team sports,” says Superintendent Shawn Gill, Surrey RCMP Community Services Officer. “It is imperative that we focus on education, prevention and intervention to help youth make positive life choices so they don’t get involved in crime.”
Officers from the Surrey RCMP’s Youth Unit and Surrey Gang Enforcement Team will be out at games and practices throughout the tournament to cheer on the players and to engage with students and parents.
The final senior and junior championship games will be held on Saturday, January 20 at Enver Creek Secondary (14505 84th Avenue, Surrey). The games will be followed by an awards presentation involving Surrey RCMP officers and School District officials. As part of the annual tradition, Surrey RCMP officers will also be taking on the coaches in an annual RCMP vs Coaches game on that final Saturday.
What: Surrey RCMP Basketball Classic Senior and Junior Championships
When: Saturday, January 20 at 7:45 p.m. (senior) / Saturday, January 20 at 1 p.m. (junior)
Where: Enver Creek Secondary (14505 84th Avenue)
Who: Surrey RCMP senior officers, Surrey School District officials, and City of Surrey representatives
