September 6, 2023 – Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) – Saskatchewan Rattlers News Release
The summer of 2023 is coming to a close, and I wanted to share gratitude on behalf of our entire organization for the support you showed this season!
Our 2023 goal of playing in Champ Weekend was not fulfilled, but we had success both on and off the court. We are still incredibly proud of what we did this year. Here are some of the highlights:
YOU, our fans came out loud and proud to our games this year – raising our overall attendance in the Snake Pit from 2022.
Introduced the All-Sask Classic – youth basketball tournament, showcasing 30 teams from across the province. Look forward to the return of this tournament in 2024 with event more teams!
Focused on Truth & Reconcilliation with guidance from Saskatoon Tribal Council and Chief Mark Arcand. This included gifting team captains hand-beaded medallions at each game by local artisan Shelley Kennedy of Métis Nation of Saskatchewan
Launched the Rattlers Rim Revamp Project with efforts to revitalize the nets on hoops in communities throughout Saskatchewan
Released Orange Shirts designed by Jonas Thomson of Carry The Kettle First Nation with proceeds supporting Residential School Survivors through Saskatoon Survivor Circle
Hosted Indigenous communities throughout our province during the season, and worked alongside Indigenous leaders on ways to bring professional basketball to their communities and remove any barriers to sport
Collaborated with Tristen Amyotte, Christine Marie, and Chief Mark Arcand to launch the indigenous-inspired Star Blanket jersey design and TRC Collection with proceeds supporting indigenous youth in the community.
For the second year in a row, we had a CEBL MVP Nominee on our roster – Justin Wright-Foreman
For next season, we aim to do better on the court and will bring back the winning atmosphere to the Snake Pit. And of course, we will continue to build a line-up of local and international talent.
The Snake Pit is getting a makeover for 2024! We are shifting our court from a full bowl layout to a horseshoe shape giving the seating chart a true arena atmosphere. This will make it more intimate for you, giving you better sight of the action, getting you closer to the players, and giving us an advantage to win at home next season.
We can’t wait to have you back in the Snake Pit for 2024!
We are committed to making 2024 bigger and better.
With that, we would like to get your feedback on our season, so we know where the most meaningful growth can take place.
Please take a moment to provide some feedback about the 2023 season, here.
When you fill out the survey – you are automatically entered to WIN a Rattlers Prize Pack!
Let’s continue to grow Rattlers basketball together across our great province!
Sincerely,
Brad Kraft, Vice-President
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
