The seed for the Golden Basketball Association was planted in 1993/94, when two workmates organized teams at their children’s school. Each week, the two teams practiced and played using the facilities of the schools they attended. In 1994 more of the workmates joined along with interested parents and the GBA was created.
Enrolment grew so quickly that the school facilities available were not adequate. At the time, the Town of Golden was contemplating the fate of the old high school gym. The old gym was in dire need of repair after being boarded up for several years and several proposals had been submitted to the town, including the option to demolish the building. At the eleventh hour the GBA Executive filled the Town Chambers and asked that the building be saved and used for what it was intended for – to be a gymnasium. The request was granted.
The Mt. 7 Rec Plex committee was formed and with the help of community volunteers and donations of materials from local businesses work got underway to refurbish the gym. Several directors of the GBA approached the Canadian Pacific Railway to secure funds to rebuild the hardwood floor. The CP Charitable Foundation approved the request and financed the project. The first season the GBA operated, there were two teams of 12 children. Ten years later over 200 players from Grades 4 through 12 were in the program.
Many young athletes have had the opportunity to get involved and learn from this excellent team sport and Golden Secondary School has steadily benefitted from having an influx of players that are already in the game and ready to improve their skills and abilities further.
Twenty years after its foundation, the GBA is getting ready for the 2013/2014 season to start on October 21. There will be 3 age divisions; Kindergarten through 1st Grade (Biddy Ball), Grades 2-3-4 (Novice Basketball), and Grades 5-6- 7 (Juniors).
Registration nights will be Sept. 12, Sept. 26, and Oct. 9 at the Rec Plex from 6 to 8 p.m. For further information, registration forms, and information for those who wish to help organize or coach, log on to GBA’s website at goldenbasketballassociation.com/ , check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/GoldenBasketball, or contact Ian Kirk at 250-344-6760.
