1 minute read
Junior All Native Basketball Tournament (JANT)
Julie Bellrose
In March, I helped drive 4 basketball teams from Klemtu and their chaperones to the JANT 2023 in Nanaimo. It was an occasion to connect with the youth of the community in a way that we do not get a chance when we go to Klemtu with a team of volunteers.
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The tournament welcomed 91 teams from across BC, it was the biggest turnout for this tournament, which has been running since the 80’s. Most of the adults accompanying the group had played in the JANT at one point in their life. One of the fathers had played his last JANT in Nanaimo and now his 12 year old son was playing his first, in Nanaimo.
The Opening Ceremonies happened in a full arena, the energy was high as the teams were introduced and took their seats in the middle of the arena. The messages shared were centered on how important to support the youth through working together with respect and integrity. A male and a female player both took turns to read the players oath to set the tone of the tournament.
It was encouraging to see the amount of adults who came to support the youth and to witness their involvement and relationship. It was also an opportunity to connect with some of the adults at a deeper level. God provided opportunities to have one on one conversations where some people trusted me with sharing some of their struggles. I was honored to listen and to pray with these people as we shared in His love and hope.
The community of Klemtu had several losses recently. Members of the team were able to go support and give their respect to a couple from Klemtu who live in Nanaimo who lost their son recently. Through the week, It was beautiful to see the camaraderie between young and old and the care that they have as a community for one another despite their differences and the many heartaches.
This tournament, is a way for the communities to engage their youth in healthy lifestyles as they learn to work and grow together. It is also an opportunity for the youth to make friends with youth from other communities. As they return home, they look forward to next year’s tournament , which will be held in Terrace. We were asked several times if we would be joining them again in Terrace next year!
