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Neepawa Filipino Basketball League Sees Record Number of Teams
The Neepawa Basketball Community Group, also known as the Neepawa Ballers, might be a newly formed league but it’s being born from years of a rec league for HyLife employees in the Neepawa area. Rafael Flores is the new Commissioner of the Neepawa Basketball Community Group, which starts its first season this fall. Unlike the former groups, the new league is registered with Basketball Manitoba, insured, and formally recognised in the province as a competitive basketball league.
Flores was initially approached to run a mini sports fest over the summer, which ended up running from mid-July to late August. It not only led to the formation of the basketball league but to several other sports groups forming in town, including a volleyball league which will begin playing in the new year as well as badminton, table tennis, darts, and chess. While Flores will continue to handle the basketball, he has called upon other locals to take on the other sports and they have formed a Filipino sporting committee.
That isn’t to say that the league is exclusively for Filipino players. While that is where the original interest came from, Flores indicates that everyone is welcome to play, regardless of nationality, age, or experience. The league recently held a refereeing seminar for volunteers, and coaches are also welcome. Games are held every Saturday and Sunday at the high school and are free to attend for anyone.
There are two divisions within the league: the junior division, which is for players age 36 and under, and the senior division for players age 37 and older. Combined there are 24 teams registered for the league this fall, more than for any previous league. Teams only play within their own divisions and only in Neepawa, though Flores says they may play some exhibition games against teams from Winnipeg or Brandon. He expects that they will have playoffs in late February and have a champion by mid-March at the latest so that the spring and summer league can start up again.
Many players are interested in community service almost as much as basketball. Earlier this fall, they managed to raise about $1400 in just two days to help out community members in need.
Anyone interested in the league in any capacity is encouraged to contact Flores through the Neepawa Ballers Facebook page.
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