Sault lands two big hoops tournaments

NEWS RELEASE

TOURISM SAULT STE. MARIE

************************* Sault Ste. Marie awarded two 2007 Ontario Cup provincial basketball championship tournaments

Tourism Sault Ste. Marie and Sault Ste. Marie Titan Basketball is proud to announce that Basketball Ontario has awarded two Ontario Cup Provincial Championship tournaments to Sault Ste. Marie.

The Under 15 Midget Girls Ontario Cup Provincial Championship Tournament with approximately 40 teams will be held here April 27-29, 2007.

The Under 19 Juvenile Boys Ontario Cup Provincial Championship Tournament with approximately 90 teams will be held here May 18-20, 2007.

The final decision was made after a recent site visit during which officials inspected the facilities and met with the tourism industry and local officials. Basketball Ontario is the sport governing body for basketball in the Province of Ontario.

Created nearly 70 years ago as the Ontario Amateur Basketball Association, the organization is also known as Basketball Ontario.

Basketball Ontario is a not-for-profit association and was incorporated as such in 1977.

It is expected that these tournaments will bring in over 3,210 players, coaches, scouts and parents.

The Under 19 Juvenile Boys Ontario Cup Provincial Championship Tournament is the most prestigious of all the provincial championships as university scouts from Canadian and American universities will be attendance for recruiting.

This event is expected to have an economic impact of over $2.577 million on the community and province.

"We are pleased to have secured these championship tournaments, especially in light of the number of larger communities across Ontario bidding on them. Sault Ste. Marie has established itself as a leader in sport tourism and conventions and through Tourism Sault Ste. Marie we will continue to bring major provincial and national events to our city," stated Ian McMillan, executive director - tourism. The 2006 Ontario Cup Provincial Championships had 1,050 teams and over 12,500 participants with more teams and participants expected during the 2007 championships.

This is the first time these recent tournaments are being held in the north.

Sault Ste. Marie and Titan Basketball impressed Basketball Ontario officials with a well-organized plan, outstanding facilities, first-class tourism infrastructure and amazing support.

The passionate dedication and commitment of the community to amateur basketball was thrilling to Basketball Ontario officials.

"We are honoured that Basketball Ontario has recognized Sault Ste. Marie Titan Basketball as a leader in provincial basketball programming and has the confidence in our club to be the host organization for these championships," stated Titan Basketball president Thomas Cory. Basketball Ontario represents the Province of Ontario's amateur basketball interests.

Basketball Ontario's membership is made up of athletes, coaches, officials, clubs, camps, local basketball organizations, groups, leagues and basketball supporters.

As part of its mandate, Basketball Ontario is committed to working with the Toronto Raptors Basketball Club and the National Basketball Association (NBA) Canada to further promote and develop amateur basketball in the province.

Each year Basketball Ontario organizes and stages the Ontario Cup Provincial Championships, which are open to all member clubs.

Teams entered into the Ontario Cup are made up of community "rep" and club team programs. Basketball Ontario offers a competitive playing environment for every community by hosting competitions in six divisions.

Each level is very competitive and is offered to males and females in eight age categories.

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