MLSE Team Up Foundation unveils its eighth basketball court refurbishment in St. James Town area of Toronto

The MLSE Team Up Foundation will unveil its eighth basketball court refurbishment Saturday in the St. James Town area of Toronto. The refurbishment marks the Foundation’s 29th completed project as part of its Legacy Program.

Located on Bleecker Street, the heavily used St. James Town basketball court is the only outdoor facility in the neighbourhood that is owned by Toronto Community Housing.

The MLSE Team Up Foundation invested more than $100,000 in significant upgrades and improvements to the court to restore it to its original condition. The refurbishments included: leveling and resurfacing the court, changing fencing around the court, installation of new backboards and the addition of a mini court.

This court refurbishment is part of the Recipe for Community program in partnership with the City of Toronto, Toronto Community Housing and Toronto Community Foundation.

"We’re excited to be part of the Recipe for Community initiative and to make a meaningful contribution to the St. James Town Community and its residents," said Michael Bartlett, executive director, MLSE Team Up Foundation. "The Recipe for Community initiative aligns with the work of our Foundation in striving to improve the lives of youth by building facilities. It also supports the development of creating safe, vibrant neighbourhoods."

Bartlett added that the basketball court and the additional facilities in the surrounding area will help break down barriers in this community and provide a place where physical activity can be celebrated by residents of all ages.

Recipe for Community is a program featuring resident-inspired projects to strengthen the community’s sense of opportunity, belonging and pride, and to build community skills and capacity. Projects focus on neighbourhood greening and beautification, community gathering, food and nutrition and youth engagement.

Recipe for Community was initiated following the release in 2008 of a Toronto Vital Signs report by the Toronto Community Foundation, which identified a low sense of belonging as a key city issue.
 
The MLSE Team Up Foundation will celebrate the unveil of the outdoor basketball court with the St. James Town Community on Saturday, June 25 starting at 10 a.m. by hosting a free 3on3 basketball tournament, skills and drills program for younger kids and a free barbeque. Raptors forward Ed Davis will join the MLSE Team Up Foundation festivities.

MLSE Team Up Foundation is the charitable arm of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), combining the philanthropic efforts of all four MLSE-owned teams – the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies. Launched in December 2009 and building on the past successes of the Raptors Foundation for Kids and the Leafs Fund for Kids, the MLSE Team Up Foundation is committed to making an even bigger difference for youth across Ontario. The MLSE Team Up Foundation strives to improve the lives of youth by building facilities, giving to sustainable programs and empowering youth through sports and recreation.