University basketball squads from Oshawa and North Bay to ‘Shoot for Change’ to combat racism

Basketball teams from Ontario Tech and Nipissing University will be battling on the hardcourt this weekend but the real opponent will be racism and the real winners will be equity and diversity, as well as marginalized groups at both schools who may be in financial need.

Ontario Tech Black Athletes Association (BAA) president and men’s basketball player D’on Duncan worked with the Nipissing University Black Association for Student Expression to collaborate on a weekend of Shoot for Change games as part of the home-and-home series.

The Ridgebacks host the Nipissing Lakers Sunday, March 13, which follows their road games in North Bay on March 11.

“The Shoot for Change game is an exciting opportunity for Ontario Tech and Nipissing to showcase our talent, while hoping to create change on and off the court,” said Duncan. “The goal of the game is to unify the two schools to bring an end to racism, discrimination and prejudice. March 13 will be a historic day at Ontario Tech when we host this action-packed day with the goal of creating change.”

The game will feature a number of special events, including a 50/50 draw, Ridgebacks gear discounted for sale and opportunities to win prizes at halftime during both the women’s and men’s games. Shoot for Change t-shirts are also available, to be ordered online or in-person at the game while supplies last.

The BAA was formed in 2021 to support black student-athletes at Ontario Tech. The association works towards creating a safe space for black athletes, educating Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on anti-racism and work to eradicate racism.

All proceeds from the game will be used to establish the Black Athlete Association Bursary for Marginalized Groups.

Ontario Tech athletic director Scott Barker is excited to see this come to fruition and believes this is one of many steps the program is taking to promote diversity on campus.

“The creation of the BAA has allowed our student-athletes to become champions of equity and diversity in our Ontario Tech community,” said Barker. “I am so proud of this initiative they developed, especially collaborating with another OUA school, showing that this is bigger than sport. Our schools want to see and create change, and this is just another step towards that goal.”

Game times are set for 4 p.m. for the women’s game and 6 p.m. for the men’s game at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. They are free for Ontario Tech students or staff and children under 14. Adult tickets are $10 with senior tickets priced at $5.