Ballin' for Breast Cancer Teams

Dear Coaches, Team Managers, and Esteemed Participants,

I hope this message finds you well, having had a well-deserved Family Day break yesterday and basking in the success of the recently concluded 10th annual Ballin' for Breast Cancer charity tournament. On behalf of the Etobicoke Basketball Association, I extend our deepest gratitude to every team that contributed to the monumental success of this event. Your enthusiasm, competitive spirit, and generosity were pivotal in our collective achievement.

I am thrilled to announce that we raised over $12,000 in donations for the Canadian Cancer Society. This incredible feat exemplifies the power of our basketball community coming together for a cause that transcends the game. Your participation showcased your skills on the court and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

As we wrap up this event, please note that the final results document will be attached to this correspondence in PDF format. These results will be forwarded to the Ontario Basketball Association tomorrow for tabulation towards Provincial standings. I kindly ask all coaches to review the team names listed and inform me as soon as possible if any further identifiers are needed for your team. This will ensure clarity and precision in our communications with the OBA, for example, specifying team names like Etobicoke Thunder (Pickens) for accurate recognition.

Looking ahead, I am excited to remind you of our season's final tournament, the Spring Showdown, set to take place from April 5th to 7th, 2025. The tournament fee remains $750 per team, maintaining our commitment to accessible competitive play. We are eager to host divisions BU15 AAA, BU17 AA, GU13 AA/AAA, and GU14 AA, promising another thrilling opportunity for our athletes to showcase their talent.

For those interested in participating in the Spring Showdown, please reach out as soon as possible to secure your spot. We aim to build on the momentum of the Ballin' for Breast Cancer tournament and end our season on a high note, filled with the same spirit of community and competition.

Once again, thank you to all the teams, coaches, volunteers, and sponsors who made the 10th annual Ballin' for Breast Cancer charity tournament not just a competition but a meaningful gathering of hearts and minds. Your support and dedication have made a difference, and we look forward to seeing you on the court soon.

With heartfelt appreciation,

John Panagiotopoulos
Etobicoke Basketball Association
T: 416-523-3735 | E: Jaypea69@gmail.com

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Hi Michael Power teams,

Brownish red glasses were found in the stands after the 840am game. If you lost these please reach out to us at 416-523-3735.

Jp

Dear Coaches,

As we approach the concluding day of our Ballin for Breast Cancer tournament, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your significant contribution and unwavering support throughout this event. Your dedication and enthusiasm have not only propelled the success of this tournament but have also played a pivotal role in making a meaningful donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.

As we enter the playoff phase, we request you revisit the Etobicoke Basketball app for tomorrow's matches' updated game times and locations. The scores from the previous two days have been meticulously logged, and the playoff schedule is now published.

Important Reminders:

Arrival Time: Please ensure your team arrives promptly, allowing sufficient time for warm-up and pre-game preparations.

Game Readiness: Players should be fully equipped, mentally and physically ready to take the court at the scheduled times.

Sportsmanship: Continue to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and teamwork. Let's make the final day memorable for all participants, fostering a positive and encouraging environment.

Hydration and Nutrition: Encourage your players to stay hydrated and nourished. Proper attention to their well-being is crucial for peak performance.

This tournament is a testament to the power of community and the impact we can achieve when we unite for a cause greater than ourselves. Your participation has provided an exciting and competitive platform for our young athletes and contributed to a vital cause that affects countless lives.

Let's carry forward the energy, passion, and spirit of competition into the final day. Together, we are celebrating the sport we love AND making a significant difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Again, Thank you for your outstanding commitment and making this tournament a successful avenue for change. We look forward to seeing you and your teams bring their best game to the court tomorrow.

Warmest regards,

Etobicoke Basketball
Ballin for Breast Cancer Tournament Organizing Committee
T: 416-523-3735
E: jaypea69@gmail.com

Dear Coaches,

I hope this message finds you well and that you thoroughly enjoyed the first night of our landmark 10th annual Ballin' for Breast Cancer charity event. It's genuinely heartening to see such passionate participation, and we couldn't be happier to have each of you with us contributing to this important cause.

On a lighter note, a mysterious bottle of alcohol found its way into one of the dressing rooms this evening - a place it certainly wasn't before. While we're all for celebrating a decade of dedication and teamwork, our permit lovingly reminds us that school property isn't the place for the presence or consumption of alcoholic beverages.

If this was a spirited gesture for the convenors, we're touched by the thought and appreciate the camaraderie. However, we kindly ask everyone to keep our celebrations alcohol-free while on the premises, ensuring we can continue to make a positive impact without any hiccups (or hiccoughs!).

Let's focus on our shared goals and our cultivated fantastic energy. Here's to another successful day of competition tomorrow, filled with sportsmanship, laughter, and making a difference.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Let's make this year's event the most memorable yet – for all the right reasons!

Warmest regards,
Ballin' for Breast Cancer Event Team

Dear Coaches, Team Leaders, and Valued Participants,

As the 10th Annual Ballin for Breast Cancer Charity Tournament approaches, we are excited for a weekend that promises competitive basketball and a shared commitment to a cause that profoundly impacts our community. We have compiled a comprehensive list of crucial details and updates to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and impactful tournament for everyone involved. Please review the following information carefully to prepare for the event.

Charitable Contributions Through Admission
Your participation extends beyond the court, directly supporting the Canadian Cancer Society. We have kept our admission fee structure consistent: $10 for a weekend pass and $5 for a daily pass, ensuring accessibility while fostering our collective charitable efforts. Admission is complimentary for children under 12, coaches, players, and managers, emphasizing our inclusive spirit and commitment to the cause.

Team Essentials: Game Balls and Safety Precautions
It is the responsibility of each team to bring their own game balls for use during warm-ups and matches. Ensuring these balls are properly inflated and ready for play is essential for the smooth conduct of the tournament. Additionally, we advise all teams to equip themselves with basic first-aid supplies. Preparedness for minor injuries is a proactive step toward ensuring player safety throughout the event.

Tournament Uniforms: Symbolizing Our United Stand
The Etobicoke Thunder teams will wear commemorative black and pink uniforms, symbolizing our united stand against breast cancer. We request that opposing teams wear light-coloured uniforms to maintain visual distinction and honour this cause's spirit.

Schedule Adherence and Facility Respect
The integrity of our tournament schedule is vital. Teams are expected to arrive prepared at their designated game times and to respect our facilities by maintaining cleanliness in bench areas and adhering to signage for home/away benches and dressing rooms. This respect for schedule and space ensures a positive experience for all participants and spectators. Home teams are noted on top of the matchup and should don light-coloured uniforms with the Away teams noted on the bottom.

Weather Preparedness
With snow forecasted, we urge you to allow extra travel time. Your safety and punctual arrival are critical to the tournament's success, and we appreciate your diligence in planning your travel accordingly.

Roster and Team Name Verification
The accuracy of team rosters on the Etobicoke Basketball app is imperative. Coaches must ensure all players are correctly listed and report any inaccuracies immediately, safeguarding the fairness and integrity of the tournament. If your organization has more than one team at this age group, please let us know so we can add the Head Coach's last name - e.g., Etobicoke Thunder (Pickens) - for better visibility with the OBA for Provincial/Ontario Cup rankings.

Spectator Behaviour
We are committed to creating a positive environment for all attendees, adhering to the Ontario Basketball Association's guidelines on spectator behaviour. Your cooperation in fostering a respectful and supportive atmosphere is greatly appreciated.

Commemorative T-Shirts: Supporting the Cause
Celebrate your participation and support our fundraising efforts with limited edition Ballin t-shirts, priced at $25 each. Various adult sizes are available, ensuring everyone can find a perfect fit. These t-shirts are exclusively available for sale through Michael Power Collegiate (105 Eringate Drive, Etobicoke). To streamline your purchase and avoid waiting in line, we encourage you to email your size requests to jaypea69@gmail.com. We will reserve your selected sizes for immediate payment and pick-up, simplifying the process and ensuring you receive your commemorative merchandise efficiently.

Navigational Assistance and Tournament Communication
Stay informed of the latest tournament updates through the Etobicoke Basketball app, including game scores and playoff matchups. The app also provides detailed directions to venues, helping you navigate the tournament effortlessly and ensuring you arrive at the correct location on time. The app is a free download from your Apple/Android store. Alternatively, you may access the online version of our schedule at: https://basketball.exposureevents.com/211865/ballin-for-breast-cancer-charity-tournament.

As we come together for this meaningful event, your attention to these details will significantly contribute to a successful and memorable tournament. We thank you for your commitment, cooperation, and enthusiasm. Let's make the 10th Annual Ballin for Breast Cancer Charity Tournament a testament to our community's spirit, love for basketball, and collective impact on a cause that affects so many.

We are looking forward to a fantastic weekend of basketball and camaraderie.

Best regards,

John Panagiotopoulos
Etobicoke Basketball
M: 416-523-3735
E: jaypea69@gmail.com

I almost forgot.... the home team is listed on top...

Jp

Dear Coaches and Managers,

As we approach the tip-off for our 10th Annual Ballin' for Breast Cancer Tournament, happening the weekend of February 16-18, 2024, I wanted to warmly welcome each of you and express our collective excitement at the Etobicoke Basketball Association for your participation. This event is a testament to our community's resilience and generosity, having raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society. Your involvement is pivotal in continuing this legacy, and we're thrilled to have 48 teams joining us this year.


Important Information and Updates

Tournament Schedule: Our schedule for next weekend is now available through the Etobicoke Basketball app, a free download from your Apple or Android store. For those experiencing difficulty with the app, the schedule can be accessed online at https://basketball.exposureevents.com/211865/ballin-for-breast-cancer-charity-tournament.

Player Rosters: All team rosters are now visible within the app. If you find your team's roster is missing, we may still need to receive it. Please ensure it is submitted by EOD Tuesday to jaypea69@gmail.com. Additionally, verify the spelling of player names and your team name for accuracy. If your age grouping includes multiple teams, please inform us if adding the coach's last name is necessary for clarity in the OBA Provincials ranking.

Game Day Preparation: Teams are reminded to bring their own game balls and first aid kits. We also ask that you clean up the bench area following each game to maintain a tidy environment for all participants and spectators.

Uniforms and Entry Fees: The Etobicoke Thunder teams will wear unique black and pink uniforms for the tournament. We ask teams playing against ours to wear light-coloured uniforms to avoid colour clashes. An entry door fee of $5 per day or $10 for the entire weekend will be charged for spectators, with free admission for kids under 10 (exact change is appreciated). Players and coaches are exempt from this fee, maintaining the tradition of the past ten seasons.

Venue Directions and Game Management: Directions to the gym are available within the app under the "Directions" tab for each game. Teams must know their game locations and times, ensuring arrival before the scheduled tip-off.


Final Reminders

Your active participation highlights your team's talent and underscores our collective commitment to significantly impacting the fight against breast cancer. Let's make this year's tournament memorable, filled with competitive spirit and camaraderie, all in the name of a worthy cause.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or require further assistance. Here's to a successful and impactful tournament!

Warm regards,

John Panagiotopoulos
Etobicoke Basketball Association
E: Jaypea69@gmail.com
M: 416-523-3735

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