The City of Calgary and the Calgary Surge are partnering to bring more basketball downtown this summer. Starting at the end of June, the community program will offer free youth basketball clinics at the Century Gardens Basketball Courts (826 8 Ave. S.W.). Professional coaches will help youth ages nine to 12 and 13 to 17 sharpen their skills. “By working with the Calgary Surge and investing in free, accessible programming like these youth basketball clinics, we are building community, creating safer public spaces, and making downtown a place where people want to be,” Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said in a news release. There will also be a 3-on-3 basketball tournament later in the summer, with more details coming soon. Calgary Surge players and coaches will make special appearances at the events. “We know what sport and arts and culture can do — they build confidence, keep kids engaged, and bring people together. Downtown Calgary is the perfect stage for this kind of programming and investment,” Jason Ribeiro, vice-chairman and president of the Calgary Surge. The city says these events are part of its plan to revitalize downtown by creating engaging experiences and dynamic public spaces. More information about the clinics and tournament can be found on the Surge’s website.
