Winnipeg Sea Bears owner David Asper has provided a donation of $60,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg (BGC) to promote and strengthen basketball programming for youth in Winnipeg.

This two-year pilot partnership is set to have activities year-round and fund the purchase of sports equipment for the clubs.

BGC Winnipeg provides opportunities to underserved children from the ages of 6-18 to play basketball for free, meaning parents don't have to pay for uniforms, shoes, transportation or coaching fees. Currently, basketball is a growing interest throughout the organization.

On top of that, 70 per cent of the 50/50 proceeds curated during Sea Bear home games will be donated to BGC Winnipeg to show even more support for youth participating in basketball camps and clinics.

During the regular season, Sea Bears players will participate in activities with BGC Winnipeg as part of the team’s commitment to the community.

"Basketball is our fastest growing participation sport and being affiliated with Winnipeg's professional team will really amplify things," says Ron Brown, CEO of BGC Winnipeg. "We aim to provide pathways to success in life. The physical activity of basketball and learning about team play are foundational to that future success. We look forward to working with the Sea Bears."

The Sea Bears have made it clear that they wish to engage with the community and public, and this partnership is one but many ways they plan on doing that.

"I've seen the work of the Boys and Girls Clubs and am very proud to support it in a way that gets the kids excited about basketball," says David Asper, Sea Bears owner and chairman. "Sport is good for the soul and can be a unifying force. We look forward to seeing smiles on kids' faces."

Yesterday, the Sea Bears played against the Vancouver Bandits for the second time this season, and can proudly say that they have beat them each time.

The Winnipeg team reached the Target Score Time just barely, winning 106-103.

Similar to the first time the two teams went head to head, Winnipeg had the lead going into the Target Score Time but the Bandits had a power surge and came back.

"We played really well together. We played with a lot of positive energy and we got great contributions from the starting five and bench players," says Head Coach Michael Taylor. "this league is like that - teams come back. We've seen it in all our games. Credit to the Bandits for fighting back."

With the win, Winnipeg moves 2.5 games up in the Western Conference standings.

The Sea Bears will return to Winnipeg on June 12 to take on the visiting Edmonton Stingers at 7 p.m. CT. The game will feature unique programming to celebrate Philippine Independence Day, including food, music and dance. For tickets, visit seabears.ca/tickets.  To support BGC through 50-50, visit winnipegjets5050.ca

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