ISWO Announces ONBI 2024
Mississauga, ON – January 25, 2024 – Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) proudly unveils the Ontario Native Basketball Invitational (ONBI), set to take place from May 17-19, 2024, at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. This invitational tournament brings together Indigenous youth basketball teams from across the province for a spirited competition, fostering friendship, community strength, and personal growth.
The ONBI is a celebration of Indigenous culture and talent, providing a platform for youth aged 13-18 to engage in friendly yet competitive matches. Beyond the court, the tournament features cultural and leadership activities designed to build confidence and create lasting connections.
Leading up to the ONBI, ISWO has joined forces with Rez Hoops for a preliminary tournament on Feb. 9-11, 2024. The top 3 teams in each division of this event will receive travel assistance and entry fees to attend ONBI, ensuring broader participation and inclusivity.
In collaboration with Moose Cree First Nation, ISWO is also proud to support the James Bay Invitational All-Indigenous Basketball Tournament in Timmins, ON, taking place from Jan 26-28. Top-performing teams in the 18U and 15U male and female divisions will be sponsored by ISWO to attend the Ontario Native Basketball Invitational.
Adding to the anticipation, ISWO is organizing the 2nd Annual Northern Ontario Indigenous Basketball Tournament on Feb. 24th & 25th at Cambrian College in Sudbury, ON. Divisions for this tournament include Masters Male & Female, U18 Male & Female, and U12 Male & Female. Following the event, the Sudbury 5 will host the Indigenous Heritage game at Sudbury Arena, showcasing and celebrating the rich Indigenous culture and talent in the region.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport supports the Ontario Native Basketball Invitational, providing $1.3 million in crucial support for ISWO’s ongoing sport programs and tournaments through annual funding.
Ontario invests more than $5.2 million annually to support programs that provide Indigenous children, youth and families with opportunities to participate in sport and recreation, as well as land-based activities that support cultural revitalization,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Events like the ONBI encourage Indigenous youth to have fun and stay active. Best wishes for success to all athletes and participants in May.”
ISWO invites media representatives, community members, and basketball enthusiasts to join in celebrating the Ontario Native Basketball Invitational, a vibrant showcase of talent, culture, and community spirit.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dustin Peltier
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario
Dustin.peltier@iswo.ca
About Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO):
Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) is the designated Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sporting Body (P/TASB) for Ontario, serving all Indigenous Peoples across the province. Primarily funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, ISWO works to serve all Indigenous Peoples and communities, including First Nation, Inuit and Métis, across the province of Ontario, in an equitable and fair manner.
About Ontario Native Basketball Invitational (ONBI):
The Ontario Native Basketball Invitational is an annual basketball tournament that brings together Indigenous youth from across Ontario for a friendly and competitive celebration of sport, culture, and community. For more information, please visit https://iswo.ca/onbi/.
