“TELUS is thrilled to support this tournament, and we wish the athletes competing from across B.C. the best of luck,” said Steve Podborski, TELUS assistant vice-president of Sport Marketing. “Supporting this outstanding annual tournament and boosting emerging basketball players towards their goals with scholarships will help TELUS realize its commitment to supporting the long-term development of Canada’s athletes, from playground to podium.”

Chris Kennedy, president of the B.C. High School Boys’ Basketball Association, said the title sponsorship takes an already-established tournament to the next level.

“We are exceptionally proud of our strong history and the hundreds of volunteer coaches and thousands of players that participate as part of the B.C. High School Boys’ Basketball Association each year,” he said. “Our AAA tournament is a wonderful celebration of high school basketball in our province, and attracted more than 15,000 spectators last year. With a 61-year record of success, the BC High School Boys’ Basketball Championship has long been regarded as one of the finest amateur sporting events in Canada and our partnership with Metro Vancouver Basketball will only enhance the event."

This sponsorship package was secured through the efforts of The Metro Vancouver Basketball Foundation’s Howard Kelsey and Ron Putzi, in partnership with the B.C. High School Boys’ Basketball Association.

The tournament was founded in 1945. Since then, many of Canada’s greatest up-and-coming basketball players participated in the tournament and went on to play for Canada’s national team, in the Olympics or in the NBA. For example: