For boys on the Queen Charlotte Saints team, playing basketball is more than just a game.
Just getting to face an opponent is a privilege.
The team has to raise a lot of money just so the boys can play other schools, because no one ever comes to the island to play them.
But the community has their back.
“We have the whole of Haida Gwaii supporting us,” says KenLi Peerless, a guard for the team. “We had multiple donations and we have raised lots of money.”
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Team forward Brandon Gibbard says basketball is like a lifeline to them.
“The community part is really a big factor in why we are here, besides the love of the game.”
This year, it has cost around $40,000-$50,000 to operate the boys teams, but the community’s trust is paying off.
Queen Charlotte guard Nathan Vogstad got noticed and will play at SFU, instantly making him an inspiration for younger kids.
“It is showing they can make it to university too. It is not impossible being on Haida Gwaii,” says Vogstad. “If you work hard enough and keep going to the gym, you can do it too.”
Assistant Coach Dave Wahl says for them, it is never just about playing basketball.
“It is about community success and the success of our young men.”
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