A Kingston basketball league is 63 years old and still going strong.
The league started with Pete Petersen back in 1955. The popular custodian at St.Patrick’s Public School opened the gym doors so children could play some pick-up basketball after classes were done.
More than six decades later, it’s home to more than 500 boys and girls who play four nights a week from October to February.
After 62 years at St.Patrick’s, the Pete Peterson Basketball League is on the move.
With the closure of St.Patrick’s, the Algonquin-Lakeshore District Catholic School Board invited the league to play in its new school called St.Francis of Assisi. The league jumped at the opportunity and the transition has been a smooth one.
“They were very welcoming,” said long-time league president Roland Billings. “They opened their doors with a welcome mat and made room for our equipment and uniforms.”
Nothing has changed within the league that provides children a safe place to play basketball.
“The commitment is still there,” said Billings. “We stress to the children the importance of making friends, learning a few basketball skills and enjoying a game they can play for the rest of their lives.”
The reason for the league’s success is a simple one: “It’s all about the volunteers. We have more than enough coaches, officials, scorers and time-keepers to keep the league running smoothly,” said Billings who has been with the association for more than 30 years.
Pete just loved watching children play basketball and despite his passing in 2015, he is still the heart and soul of the organization.
“Everyone loved Pete and what he stood for,” added Billings. It’s why so many adults continue to volunteer.”
Thousands, upon thousands of children, have played in Pete’s league, including former NHL stars Doug Gilmour and Kirk Muller.
A season of fun for just $10. Another reason that the league is 63 years old and still going strong.
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