Just For The Fun Of It

It is with sadness that I post that a member of the basketball league family of volunteers, former Biddy Division coach Barry Chambers, has passed away. Along with coaching in the league, Barry was a former reporter, an avid bowler, and fisherman, but most of all, a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Our sympathies to all of Barry’s family and friends at your sudden and tragic loss.

It was four years ago today that we lost the founder of the basketball league when Don Petersen passed away. He was so much more than that to those that knew him. He was a mentor, a friend, a confidant, someone to talk with, someone that loved life, and loved being around children and adults at play in all the forms that play takes. He loved his school, and he loved being in the gym that had his name. Pete was quiet most of the time, but made his opinions known when they needed to be. He inspired those around him during his life and he continues to do that today. All of us involved in his league miss him, but we remain committed to the dream he had when he threw open the doors of the St Pat’s gym and invited the children on the hill in to play some basketball. We will continue to give the children of the community a safe and affordable place to learn the game of basketball, and how much fun participating in those games can be. We are also committed to reminding our participants that there was a great person behind the name of the league, and the name of the gym where we play the games. Don “Pete” Petersen was a real person and he continues to be loved, respected and missed.

On Friday the annual Don “Pete” Petersen Memorial Golf Tournament was held at the Glen Lawrence Golf and Country Club with 84 participants enjoying a great day under clear blue skies. Thanks to the generosity of the participants and the many individuals and businesses that sponsored holes and contributed prizes for the event, along with the professionalism and commitment of the Glen Lawrence management and staff to making the day a success, more than $5000 was raised for the basketball league. This is our best total ever, and we owe a special thanks to the organizing committee that made it all happen this year.
Everyone involved at all levels has made a difference in the lives of the children in our community through your participation. Thank you for believing in what we do, and thank you for helping us keep Pete’s dream alive.
A full list of prize donors and hole sponsors will be coming soon.

We have been asked by the family of Pete Petersen to publish this notice. Please remember that this award is made by Pete’s family and not the basketball league.

“It’s that time again ….
Looking for deserving candidates for the Don “Pete” Petersen Spirit Memorial Award. It was Pete’s wish to establish an award of $1000.00 annually to be given to a graduating student continuing post- secondary education who has a history with the Pete Petersen Basketball league formally known as the Knights of Columbus Basketball League.
Candidates must possess accomplishments in community volunteer work, school activities, academics, and have promising career aspirations making a difference in the lives of others as he did !
visit the Don “Pete” Petersen Memorial award Facebook page for our story ..
Application must be emailed / mailed or dropped off to
Bridget Walker-Payne C/O Walker-Payne Insurance @ 1335 Princess St., Kingston, Ontario, K7M3E3, or email bridget@bridgetwalker-Payne.com by June 25th, 2018.
• Application Deadline: Monday June 25th, 2018 @ 5:00pmET • Recipient notification by email or Mail or Phone June 29th, 2018.
Thanks”

The annual Don “Pete” Petersen Memorial Golf Tournament is on Friday June 22 at the Glen Lawrence Golf and Country Club. Deadline for entry is this Friday June 15. Cost is $100 per player and includes 1/2 cart, green fees, meal and prize table. If you want to join us for the meal only, the cost is $20. We are still looking for prizes if you cannot attend but would like to donate a prize for the prize table. See the upcoming events notice tab here for how to enter a team.

We have been approached by Alexandra Walters from the Queen’s School of Kinesiology looking for players 11-17 to participate in a study that she is conducting. Here is her introduction and contact information, as well as a poster for the study. We have partnered with the school of Kinesiology in the past for their research work, so we hope that you will support this study as well. Note that there is a financial incentive as well.

“Dear parents and guardians,

The Revved Up Research Group within the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies is calling for youth (ages 10-17 years) to participate in an ongoing research project. This project is focused on physical activity promotion for children and youth using evidence-based guidelines.

In brief, the commitment is a one-time appointment where your child comes into the lab space for approximately 60 minutes and participates in some eye-tracking activities and completes a survey. As compensation, $15 cash is provided.

If this study seems of interest, please email memolab@queensu.ca for more information.

On behalf of the Revved Up Research Group, thank you.”

Congratulations to former player and volunteer Calista Payne on winning the Juel/Juel Prep Community Service Award as well as the Mackenzie Curran Inspirational Award over the weekend. Special recognition for one of our volunteers making a difference.

I came across this very interesting article from the New York Times in a tweet from Queen’s Professor Jean Cote last night. It speaks to the importance of children playing a variety of sports to avoid injuries, burnout and drop out.

Here is the link to paste in your browser:

Yesterday we received a significant donation from former player Ben Hawkins to help support the league. Ben is the grandson of the late Joe Hawkins, a long time Kingston City councillor, local sports supporter, and along with Don Petersen, a member of the Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame. With the donation was a note that read in part

““A neat memory popped into my mind recently since I first reached out to you. One summer during my years attending St. Pat’s elementary, i was messing around with a basketball on the hoops at the back of the school, when suddenly a door opened from a change room and out popped Pete’s head. On two occasions that summer, he invited me into the gym to practice free throws. He said that everything else could be practiced on any old net, but to practice free throws in a gym was a true luxury. He’d leave me there in the gym for the afternoon and go about his custodial duties, returning periodically to check-in on me and watch. He’d be sure to offer his best advice if he saw me struggling. I’ll never forget that.

I have many fond memories like that of Pete, and many fond memories of playing in the K of C League. I have even more memories of my grandfather Joe, and all of the times I spent with him, helping with the Kids 4 Kids Hockey Tournament, among other things. I learned a lot from both of them, and I ask that you please accept this donation in memory of Joe Hawkins and Pete Petersen, two of the most selfless and hard working men I’ve known. I know it will be put to good use.

Another thing I’ll never forget is the slideshow at the banquet each year. For me, that was pretty special. Thanks for the great memories.”

Thank you Ben for remembering us, and for believing in what we do.

Last night I had the distinct pleasure of attending the annual induction dinner for the five newest members of the Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame at the Ramada Inn. What a great night to celebrate sports in Kingston with a room packed with former inductees and sports people across generations there to support the 2018 inductees Ross Cameron (Sailing), Hank Kelly (Hockey and Baseball), Bruce Landon (Hockey), Mike McCullough (Football), and Alec Murray (Basketball). Congratulations to all of you for your lifetimes of contribution to sport in Kingston! RB