Nipissing Lakers to host historic anti-racism basketball game

NORTH BAY (February 16, 2022) — Friday, March 11 promises to be a big day for the Nipissing Lakers basketball programs, Lakers Athletics and Nipissing University.

Not only will the Lakers play host to the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in their final home game of the season, but it will also mark the first-ever Shoot for Change Anti-Racism Basketball Game, created with pride by Lakers men’s basketball team member and Nipissing University Black Association for Student Expression (NUBASE) founding member and president, Taijon Graham.

All proceeds from the game will be used to establish the Nipissing University BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) Bursary.

The game will feature a number of special events, including a raffle during halftime for the chance to win great prizes. Shoot for Change T-shirts are also available for pre-order online for pickup at the game.

Nipissing University president and vice-chancellor, Kevin Wamsley, noted the importance of an event like this and commended the student-athletes taking the lead.

“Nipissing University is proud to host and support Shoot for Change, a student-led, anti-racism initiative created by NUBASE. Students are leading conversations that challenge universities to be inclusive. Join us and take up the challenge,” Wamsley said.

Graham is thrilled the event is taking place and is excited to see it become an annual tradition.

“I’m super excited to have created this initiative and have it come to fruition. This event will be the epitome of athletes using their platform to advocate for marginalized communities and I’m so appreciative of all the parties that have been involved in making this event possible,” Graham said. “This event will be the beginning of having grants for BIPOC students at Nipissing University, and I can’t wait to see all the beneficiaries from this historic event.”

Game times are set for 5 p.m. for the women’s game and 8 p.m. for the men’s game at the R.J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, students, alumni, faculty and staff (with ID). Nipissing students and children under 12 are free.

For more information about the game or to make a donation towards the Nipissing University BIPOC Bursary, please visit https://www.nipissingu.ca/shootforchange.

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 Media Contacts:

Robb Fenton
Sports Information Officer
Nipissing University
robbf@nipissingu.ca

Meghan Venasse
Manager, Communications
Nipissing University
meghanv@nipissingu.ca