‘Toronto is still in my heart’: Former Raptor Kawhi Leonard hosts basketball clinic in Scarborough

Local youth joined former Toronto Raptor Kawhi Leonard today for an exciting basketball clinic in Scarborough.

Dozens of youths in Scarborough got to meet and spend time on court with NBA superstar and former Toronto Raptors player Kawhi Leonard on Saturday.

The event was held at TAT Stadium, located on Birchmount Road, south of Lawrence Avenue East.

Leonard was met with cheers as he entered the gym and then proceeded to get on the court with the young players who showcased their shooting skills.

“Toronto is still in my heart,” Leonard said during a brief remark, noting that his son was born in Canada.

“He’s from Canada, so we always talk about bringing him back and showing him where he was born. I just wanted to leave a blueprint out here.”

A mural, which features a photo of Leonard’s iconic Game 7 buzzer beater in 2019, was also unveiled.

The mural included a quote from the basketball star: “You are stronger than you think.”

“You know, everybody remembers this shot right here, but it’s not just that shot. It’s about the countless hours before that, and then we still have work to do after this. We still have to play the semifinals and a final,” Leonard said, speaking to the young players on court.

“So, like the quote says, you’re stronger than you think. When you get in difficult times, just stay focused and know you can overcome, and even if things aren’t going well, just know you can do better.”

Leonard shared that the event was just the first of many he plans to do to help the youth across the city.

“This won’t be the last thing. I’ll be doing something else out here,” he said.

After leading the Raptors to their first NBA championship title, Leonard signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, which left Toronto sports fans heartbroken.

Leonard was in town as the Clippers played against the Raptors on Friday night. Toronto lost 121-117 in overtime.

Jackie Fung, who founded TAT Stadium, noted that the court where the mural is displayed will be called the Kawhi Leonard Court.

He said the NBA superstar, in addition to participating in the event, also donated shoes, clothes, and basketballs.

“This is something they’re going to remember for the rest of their life. So, I think that means a lot to these kids,” Fung said.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow was also in attendance. She said she was happy to see young players be inspired by Leonard.

“We are opening more community centres. We are providing a lot more training to young people,” the mayor said.