A free outdoor drop-in basketball program will take place this summer in Winnipeg through a partnership between several faculties/units within the University of Manitoba and community partners, including Basketball Manitoba, Sport Manitoba, BGC Winnipeg, and MiniBallers.

Project SWISH will involve inner-city kids playing basketball under the supervision of paid staff and volunteers, including adult basketball players, coaches, and community members.

WHO: Children ages 10-17 - ALL ARE WELCOME!! There is no need to pre-register, and there is no fee to show up!

WHAT: 

• Throughout the summer, the site will host different activities, including 3x3 play, free throws, dribbling, and other fun games with prizes! Best of all, it will be a place for inner-city kids to drop in anytime with their basketballs and shoot some hoops!

WHEN: 

• SWISH will run Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm, from July 6 to August 17, 2024.

WHERE: 

• In behind the Freight House facility at 200 Isabel Street at the outdoor hockey rink.  Click HERE to view.

• Children aged 10 to 17 and their families residing in the inner city are welcome to participate. There is no cost for participation and no pre-registration. Bring a basketball and have some fun! At least four basketball hoops will be available, with the possibility of more being added later.

• Free transportation will be available including free bus tickets as well as bus/van rides for children who are accompanied by adults.

WHY:

• To have fun, meet new people, have fun, stay active and ultimately to have FUN this summer!

Project SWISH Partners: 

• University of Manitoba

  • College of Medicine

  • Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management

  • College of Dentistry

  • College of Pharmacy

  • College of Rehabilitation Sciences

• Basketball Manitoba

• BGC Winnipeg 

• Sport Manitoba

• MiniBallers

• Basketballs for Inner City Kids

• City of Winnipeg SPIN (Sport Programs in Inner City Neighbourhoods)

SWISH Planning Committee

• Xavier Smith, SWISH Coordinator 

• Karen Cook, University of Manitoba

• Adam Wedlake, Basketball Manitoba

• Andrew Davies, City of Winnipeg