Just For The Fun Of It

September 19-27 is National Coaches Week in Canada. Even though they are not on the sidelines this season, we want to thank the hundreds of coaches that have made such a great and positive impact on our players lives in our 66 year history. Don Petersen got it started, and you keep the learning going every year since!

We have been asked to share the following by the Family of Don Petersen

“Congratulations Calista Payne, solo entry and winner of the 2020 Pete Petersen Spirit Memorial Award. Even in our current crazy times the league may be on hold but Pete’s spirit, passion and the desire to help people still plays on through the hearts of those exposed to this unique basketball league.
This years winner of the Don Pete Petersen Spirit Memorial Award is Calista Payne, a coach, helper, and former player in the Girls division. Presenting this award is Hilda Walker, Pete’s sister, and proud grandmother of Calista Payne. Your great Uncle Pete would be so proud of your accomplishments Calista!
Calista has chosen to study at the University of Ottawa pursing a teaching career.
Good Luck to you Calista, we love you!”

NOTE: Presentation photos are available on the Pete Petersen Spirit Memorial Award Facebook page.

We have designed a league face mask for those that may want to support our program while also keeping yourself and those around you safe during this global health crisis. We have a limited number of the masks shown below in adult and youth sizes to gauge interest before we order more. Cost is $15 per mask and pick up can be arranged by messaging us through Facebook or the web site.

This week we collected and washed all of the uniforms from St. Francis of Assisi so that when we start up again in 2021, the uniforms will be ready to go. Our thanks to Susan, Brenda, Nancy, Mary, Nora and the Students in Pearl’s house for your help in getting 400 uniforms washed and line dried. Your support is appreciated!

In the interest of protecting the safety of our players, volunteers and their families, the Pete Petersen Basketball League has decided to suspend operations for the 2020-2021 season. We do not come to this decision easily, but we feel it is best to wait to resume play until such time that we can deliver the same family friendly and “Just for the Fun of It” basketball experience for everyone involved that we have in the past. Hopefully the situation will change for the better for all of us in 2021. Stay safe, stay active, and we look forward to seeing all of you again for the 2021-22 season.

Answers to Frequently asked Questions



1)What factors did you consider in making this decision?

We have been following developments by our sport’s governing bodies as well as other government agencies, nationally, internationally and locally.

1) We understand that there will be no Community Use of schools this fall at least.

2) Basketball Canada and Ontario Basketball are still in practice only and no contact in their return to play protocols, and expect that to continue until at least January.

3) Ontario limits indoor gatherings to no more than 50 people and must maintain social distancing of 6 feet

4) no outdoor gatherings of more than 100

5) KFL&A has a long list of health and safety mandates as do Basketball Canada and Basketball Ontario that we would simply not be able to comply with.

6) Basketball is listed by the CDC as a high risk sport

7) Liability insurance does not cover viral infections, so we would need to do as Basketball Canada is doing – have a player and parent sign a waiver every week.

8) Although important to the community we are far from essential.

9) All of us, and all of our volunteers have someone they should be concerned about that is potentially a high risk for exposure.

10) Even though our local situation is good statistically, the COVID 19 virus is still out there.

2) This would have been my son’s/ daughter’s last year to play. Will you be extending their eligibility for an extra year because of this?

Unfortunately no. We cannot change the calendar and our age requirements as they are now allow for a flow through our divisions year over year. Changing that would be too disruptive.



3) If things change dramatically would you run a spring league?

We feel that it will be best for all of our participants – families, parents players and volunteers- if we commit our energy to ensuring that we are able to deliver the program you have come to expect from us for the 2021-22 season.

Last week we received a very generous donation to the league from former long time Raptors coach Dave Reid and his wife Heidi Traulsen. Dave and Heidi have been steadfast supporters of what we do for the children in the community for many years, and this is the latest example of their generosity, and their personal commitment to the children in our program.

Earlier this month we received a call from Michael Duong, a coach in the Little Gals Division. During last season Michael was deployed by the Canadian Armed Forces to Lebanon for for a few months, and now he and his family will be transferred to Winnipeg. Before he left however, Michael wanted to make a donation to help the league, and this week he dropped off a VERY generous donation to us. When he dropped of the donation he told me that he has been posted in 4 cities and has never seen a program like ours. He said “To see the progress of the children through the season is amazing, and I am happy to help out in a small way.” He wishes the program well and hopes that we can continue to keep the league affordable for everyone to have a chance at this experience.
We wish Michael and his family safe travels as they relocate to Winnipeg at the end of the month. Thanks for all that you did to make a difference in the lives of your players. You will always be a part of the league family.

We are sure you as families are wondering about the upcoming season of basketball In our program. We are currently continuing to monitor the progression of return to play for our sport, provincial and health unit recommendations, and decisions that will be made regarding Community Use of Schools by the ALCDSB in the weeks ahead. We will make a decision in August about the season, and that decision will be based on ensuring the safety of our volunteers, players and their families, as well as the schools where we operate. Our commitment is to all our partners in sport, and to delivering the experience you have come to expect from us.

On July 3, 2014 the founder of our league passed away. It is hard to believe that it has been six years since we have seen that smile watching children play in the league that he established 66 years ago, heard that booming laugh when he met someone he knew. or saw former players and parents coming over to greet him in the gym that had his name on it. We miss him, but we will all be forever grateful for having had the opportunity to learn from him, and be mentored by him in how to treat people. We are grateful to have had him remind us that friendships are lifelong, and people don’t have to have a title in order to make a difference in the lives of those around them. Rest easy Don, and thanks for the lessons. We remain committed to keeping your dream alive.