East Lake School raises $1,400 for para cyclists during 24 hour Basketball-A-Thon

East Lake School raises $1,400 for para cyclists during 24 hour Basketball-A-Thon pic 2
On May 30, East Lake School students raised roughly $1,400 for para cyclists Cara Douville and Carly Shibley journey to the 2020 Olympics. Grade six and seven students played basketball from 1 p.m., until the evening, while grade eight and nine students played basketball throughout the night until 1 p.m., the next day. Photo by Emily Rogers

Students at East Lake School pledged to participate in a 24-hour Basketball-A-Thon to send para cyclists to 2020 Olympics

East Lake School raises $1,400 for para cyclists during 24 hour Basketball-A-Thon pic 3
Students from East Lake School stayed up all night to play basketball in support of para-cyclists Cara Douville and Carly Shibley. Both athletes came to share their stories with the school earlier this year. Although the 24-hour Basketball-A-Thon was a student-run event, many teachers, guardians, and parents were eager to give up their night in support of the athletes. Photo by Emily Rogers

East Lake School students raised roughly $1,400 for para cyclists Cara Douville and Carly Shibley with a 24-hour Basketball-A-Thon.

On May 30, grade six and seven students played basketball from 1 p.m., until the early evening, then grade eight and nine students tagged in and played throughout the night until 1 p.m., the following day.

“One of the games was at 2:15 a.m., they’re crazy,” said East Lake School Assistant Principal Shannon Storey-Heffer with obvious pride and a smile.

Students who weren’t playing basketball were able to watch a movie, play games, or sleep; and of course  all of the students were expected to be in class the next day.

“Many teachers gave up their night as well, which is amazing,” Storey-Heffer said.

She added, “Nothing like this has been done before. We weren’t sure how it was going to go, but it was great.”

The East Lake School Council was inspired after listening to the para cyclists’ stories and wanted to host multiple fundraisers, including the Basketball-A-Thon and the Tea and Talent, which raised over $2,000 for the athletes.

“This was a student-run event. Students had adults guide them throughout the way, but the true essence of the Basketball-A-Thon was from the students,” said East Lake School Principal Jordan Fenton.

“Our students never cease to amaze me. When they put their minds to something, they do it well. They have been tremendous and willing supporters of the two athletes,” he said.

Esha Rafaqat, Kristina Tatoulis, Mariah Hammoud, Nimrit Dhaliwal, and Priya Brar organized the fundraiser by scheduling basketball games, tracking permission forums, staying up all night ensuring the Basketball-A-Thon was going smoothly and then went to class the next day.

The para cyclists’ stories resonated with the group of grade nine students who organized the Basketball-A-Thon because they all are passionate about sports, and don’t want to be held back.

“They adopted a cause and ran with it,” Storey-Heffer said.

“As word spread, more and more students were enthusiastic about it and wanted to help. We had kids in the younger grades who wanted to be a part of it, which was sweet,” she added.

Not only did the Basketball-A-Thon assist the athletes, but it also taught students the rewards of being involved in their community and contributing positively.

“It teaches students the power of giving back, and it encourages them to want to do more,” Storey-Heffer said.

The Basketball-A-Thon was an essential event for East Lake School because it brought the school community together with an idea of making a difference in the greater community.

“The students played a significant role in helping two people who were strangers to them go to the Olympics,” Fenton said.

“We’re proud of our students. If you have expectations for children, they can exceed them. We should always believe in their abilities,” he added.

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to Canada's local news from their platforms, Anchor Media Inc encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this site and downloading the Rogue Radio App. Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to info@anchormedia.ca.

About the author

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, Anchor Media Inc encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this site and downloading the Rogue Radio App. Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to info@anchormedia.ca


What's Playing on CFTR

Launch Player in New Window 


What's Playing on CFTR

Launch Player in New Window