Inclusive basketball court opens in Saskatoon near River Landing
Global News
The court located at River Landing, near the open-air gym, features two full-size courts, extra hoops and a full set of wheelchair basketball chairs for anyone to enjoy.
The new Pawâtêtân basketball courts officially opened to the public on Thursday.
The outdoor spave, located at River Landing near the open-air gym, features two full-size courts, extra hoops and a full set of wheelchair basketball chairs for everyone to enjoy.
The courts were the vision of the Hoist the Hoops project and were made possible with help from the City of Saskatoon and Canadian Tire Jumpstart.
The court is named pawâtêtân, a Cree word meaning “let’s dream together.”
Michael Linklater, one of the co-founders of Hoist the Hoops, says he is overjoyed with the realization of the idea that he and a bunch of his friends had.
“I thought it would be great to have a basketball court where everyone can meet each other, regardless of background. It really warms my heart to finally see it realized.”
The court was built after consulting with locals and Indigenous Elders to make sure as many people in the community were involved.
That is also how the national survivors flag was chosen as the symbol prominently featured on the centre court.