On July 3, 2014 Don Petersen, the founder of our basketball league passed away. For those that knew him, we lost a friend, confidant, mentor and sounding board. For the community, his passing left behind a legacy of caring for others, and a genuine love for the league and all the players that passed through his gym in the nearly 60 he was involved. He created the league that now has his name as a 17 year old when he was the caretaker at St. Pat’s. He wanted to give the children in the neighbourhood where he grew up a chance to play and learn the game, but even more importantly, the life lessons he taught the players about contributing and giving back to the game.
Everyone involved with bringing the league to you as we enter the 69th year since Pete opened the back door to the school and invited the children playing on the hill behind St. Pat’s to come into the gym, remains committed to continuing his legacy of giving children a safe and affordable place to learn to love basketball as he did.
Thank you Don for giving us that chance to make a difference as you did.
“The ultimate lesson to learn from the basketball league is to give back what you received. Not only in basketball, but more importantly, in life.” Don Petersen
